Lifeguard

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids; United States; On-site; USD 22,206 - 27,758; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Individual Membership

12% employer retirement contribution

Paid Sick Time

Access to training and development programs

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

A community recreational center in the United States seeks a part-time Lifeguard responsible for ensuring the safety of aquatic facility users. Applicants must possess an American Red Cross Lifeguard certification, CPR knowledge, and be available for weekday shifts. This role involves enforcing safety standards and maintaining a clean environment. Competitive compensation ranges from $16.12 to $20.15 per hour, alongside benefits including a free YMCA membership and retirement savings plan.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to see and hear distress signals in the aquatic environment.
• Requires American Red Cross Lifeguard certification.

Responsibilities

• Guard the aquatic facility to ensure safety of pool occupants.
• Enforce aquatic rules and procedures.
• Administer First Aid and CPR when necessary.

Skills

Ability to interact with diverse backgrounds

First Aid knowledge

CPR competency

Education

High school education

Job description

Description

We offer in-house, American Red Cross, lifeguard training and certification sessions, with upcoming courses available.

Position Summary

The Lifeguard is responsible for guarding the aquatic facility and/or aquatic activities to secure the safety of pool occupants and program participants. The Lifeguard will ensure a safe, fun area for children and adults to interact and enjoy.

Must be available for weekday shifts between 4:45 AM - 3:00 PM.

Our pools are open seven days a week, so staff are required to work at least one full shift a week. Additionally, all team members must be available to work one weekend shift a month to ensure fair coverage.

Essential Functions

• Enforces aquatic rules and procedures
• Keeps deck free of obstructions
• Maintains supervision of participants
• Administers necessary First Aid and CPR
• Handles parent/member complaints
• Maintains all areas in clean, presentable fashion
• Maintains pool count
• Maintains pool and deck equipment
• Checks and records pool temperature/air temperature and chemicals
• Enforces policies on showers and proper attire
• Enforces safety standards and follows emergency procedures
• Ensures State of Michigan’s Department of Health requirements are met

Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

Compensation

$16.12 - $20.15 ; Part‑Time; Non‑Exempt (up to 25hrs/week)

Benefits

• Free YMCA Individual Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities.
• Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan.
• Paid Sick Time – Earn paid sick leave so you can focus on feeling your best when it matters most.
• Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.

Requirements

High school education; up to one month of related experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. Employee must be at least 18 years of age or older. YMCA experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses and Registration

• American Red Cross Lifeguard certification (required, offered in‑house at no cost)
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for rescue (required)
• First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
• AED‑Oxygen Certification required within the first 60 days
• Blood Borne Pathogen training
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)
• Lifeguard Instructor certification (preferred)

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work environment and physical demands described here 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.

The Employee Must Be Able 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, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• See and observe all sections of an assigned zone of responsibility, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Travel

0-5% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out‑of‑state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.