Lifeguard

YMCA of Greater San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of Greater San Antonio seeks a motivated Lifeguard to ensure safety in aquatic environments. Responsibilities include maintaining surveillance of the pool, responding to emergencies, and keeping areas clean.

Candidates must be at least 15 years old and possess appropriate lifeguard certifications. This role offers the opportunity to support youth development and community well-being.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 15 years old.
• Current YMCA or American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification.
• Ability to maintain certification-level physical readiness.
• Child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Maintain active surveillance of the pool area.
• Know emergency procedures and respond to situations.
• Report to duty 10 minutes before shift.
• Maintain cleanliness of deck and locker rooms.

Skills

Lifeguard skills

CPR and First Aid

Critical thinking

Communication

Job description

The Lifeguard supports the Y, a leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Lifeguard creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe swimming conditions in the pool, on the deck and surrounding areas in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

• Maintain active surveillance of the pool area.
• Know and review all emergency procedures and respond to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures and the “safe-in-six” model; complete related reports as required.
• Maintain effective and positive relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
• Know, understand and consistently apply safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
• Remain calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Maintain accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.
• Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available as needed.
• Check the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
• Perform chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and take appropriate action.
• Attend all staff meetings and in-service training.
• Be responsible for appropriate child‑adult ratios and group sizes.
• Assist in maintaining cleanliness of deck and locker rooms.
• Be responsible for opening and closing procedures and securing the door.
• Report to duty 10 minutes before shift and secure a substitute if necessary and with proper notification.
• Other duties as assigned.

Leadership Competencies

• Inclusion
• Critical thinking & decision making
• Emotional maturity

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 15 years old.
• Required certifications: YMCA approved basic life saving including CPR, AED, first aid and emergency oxygen administration.
• Current YMCA Lifeguard Certification or American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification accepted.
• Child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to maintain certification‑level physical and mental readiness.
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

These requirements are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in an indoor or outdoor aquatic environment.
• Have the ability to physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• Visual acuity required to see and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility; must be able to see and recognize aquatic distress above and below the water surface.
• Ability to respond properly to a medical emergency is necessary.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time is required, as well as the ability to hold breath underwater when necessary.
• Job requires high levels of alertness and concentration.