Lifeguard

St Cloud Area Family YMCA; Saint Cloud (MN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Discounts on programs

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

The St. Cloud Area Family YMCA is seeking an energetic Lifeguard to help lead the aquatics team and create a safe, welcoming environment for all members, guests, and kids.

You’ll monitor the pool, enforce safety rules, and may assist with lessons depending on certifications and experience. Requirements include current lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certificates, calm under pressure, strong communication and teamwork, and at least 16 years old with 1 year of lifeguard experience.

Qualifications

• Current Lifeguard Certification (YMCA, Red Cross, or equivalent).
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Minimum 1 year of lifeguarding experience.
• Must be at least 16 years old.
• All candidates must pass the American Red Cross swim test during the interview.

Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to safety protocols and policies.
• Attend/review daily lifeguard staff briefings for clear communication.
• Monitor swimming areas to ensure safety and enjoyment.
• Respond swiftly to emergencies, including first aid, CPR, and water rescues.
• Conduct regular safety checks of pool areas, equipment, and procedures.
• May assist with training new lifeguards and staff.
• Maintain accurate incident and pool condition documentation.
• Provide excellent customer service to members and guests.
• Enforce YMCA policies in a fair and consistent manner.
• Participate in regular safety drills and continuous improvement.

Skills

Lifeguard certification

CPR/AED

First Aid

Calm under pressure

Communication

Teamwork

Lifeguarding experience

Age 16+

Job description

Make a difference. Lead with confidence. Help save lives.

The St. Cloud Area Family YMCA is looking for a responsible, energetic, and team-oriented Lifeguard to help lead our aquatics team. In this role, you’ll do more than monitor the pool — you’ll help create a safe, welcoming, and fun environment for everyone who walks through our doors! If you’re passionate about aquatics, safety, and making a positive impact in your community, we’d love to have you on our team. Lifeguards may also have the option to assist with group swim lessons, or teach private lessons based on certifications and experience.

Requirements

What You'll Love Working at the Y:

• Free YMCA membership and discounts on programs
• Enjoy up to 4 hours of free childcare in Kidzone for dependents ages 1–11 during your scheduled shift
• Flexible scheduling
• Paid training and certification opportunities
• Build leadership and real-life emergency response skills
• Supportive, inclusive team environment where you’ll build friendships and have fun
• Opportunity to grow within a mission-driven organization where your role truly matters

Essential Duties:

• Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and policies.
• Attend/review daily lifeguard staff briefings to ensure smooth operations and clear communication.
• Monitor swimming areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
• Respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, including administering first aid, CPR, and water rescues as needed.
• Conduct regular safety checks of pool areas, equipment, and safety procedures.
• May assist with training processes for new lifeguards and staff.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents and pool conditions.
• Provide excellent customer service by addressing concerns and questions from members and guests.
• Enforce all YMCA policies, rules, and regulations in a fair and consistent manner.
• Participate in regular safety drills to remain prepared for emergencies.
• Participate in continuous improvement and safety practices and procedures.

Requirements

What You Bring:

• Current Lifeguard Certification (YMCA, Red Cross, or equivalent)
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification required
• The ability to stay calm under pressure
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Minimum 1 year of lifeguarding experience preferred
• Must be at least 16 years old
• All candidates must be able to pass the American Red Cross swim test during the interview process, which includes:

1. Swim on front for 150 yards, tread water for 2 minutes with hands out of water, then swim on front for 50 yards (must be done consecutively without stopping)
2. In a timespan of 1 minute 40 seconds, swimmer must jump into shallow end of pool, swim on front to deep end, retrieve 10 lb. object from bottom of pool, swim on back with object on stomach to the shallow end, place object on pool deck, and get out of pool.
3. At the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, we are committed to strengthening our community through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. When you join our team, you become part of something bigger — impacting lives every day while helping create a safe and welcoming place for everyone.