Lifeguard Coordinator

YMCA of Rock River Valley; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Rock River Valley seeks a Lifeguard Coordinator to oversee daily lifeguard operations and safety programs at designated locations, ensuring a safe, high‑quality experience for staff, volunteers, members and guests. This role leads a team to build relationships and uphold safety practices across YMCA policies.

You will lead the lifeguard team, monitor safety, manage schedules/certifications, coach staff, and collaborate with the Swim Lessons Coordinator to deliver high‑quality

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience delivering aquatic programming.
• 2 years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Current YMCA Lifeguard certification or equivalent (must attain within 90 days).
• Current CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop aquatic staff through coaching, feedback, in-service training, and assessments.
• Oversee daily pool checks, staffing, payroll, certifications, and facility readiness.
• Be a visible presence on the pool deck, monitoring safety and member experience.
• Coordinate aquatic operations for events and rentals with proper lifeguard coverage.
• Collaborate with facilities and leadership to address safety needs and equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Safety practices

Staff supervision

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Career Opportunities with YMCA of Rock River Valley

YOUR IMPACT

The Lifeguard Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day lifeguard operations and growth of YMCA community safety programs at designated locations. This position is responsible for ensuring a safe, high-quality experience for all staff, volunteers, members, program participants, and guests. They will achieve this by creating a positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and adheres to strong safety practices in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This position will also lead a team to build positive relationships with staff, volunteers, members and program participants through effective listening and communication. They are committed to building connections within the YMCA and our community.

WHAT YOUR DAY MAY LOOK LIKE

No two days are the same in this role—but every day centers on leading people, protecting the safety of others, and creating an aquatic environment where members and participants feel confident and cared for.

• Start your day by checking the pool and aquatic areas, ensuring the facility is safe, clean, properly staffed, and ready for members and participants.
• Connect with your lifeguard team, providing direction, checking coverage, addressing staffing needs, and making sure everyone is prepared to respond when it matters most.
• Lead and develop aquatic staff through coaching, feedback, in-service training, skills assessments, and ongoing professional development.
• Be a visible presence on the pool deck, actively monitoring safety, staff performance, and the overall member and participant experience.
• Manage the day-to-day operation by overseeing schedules, payroll, certifications, staffing changes, call-offs, and facility coverage.
• Partner with the Swim Lessons Coordinator to support consistent, high-quality swim lesson programming and provide coverage when needed.
• Prepare for what could happen next by reinforcing emergency action plans, safety procedures, risk management practices, and required staff competencies.
• Coordinate aquatic operations for special events and rentals, ensuring appropriate lifeguard coverage, communication, and facility readiness.
• Work with facilities and association leadership to address pool operations, chemical maintenance, equipment, medical supplies, AEDs, and other safety needs.
• Use data, feedback, and operational information to identify opportunities to strengthen safety, staffing, programming, and the overall aquatic experience.
• End the day knowing your leadership made a difference, whether it was developing a stronger lifeguard, solving a staffing challenge, improving pool safety, or creating a great experience for a swimmer.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a passion for aquatics, and are ready to lead when it matters most, you'll find purpose in this role.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 1 Position

1 Position: Northeast Family YMCA
Full Time, Non-Exempt
Works 30-35 hours per week
Hours vary based on facility or department needs
$20.00 per hour

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum age of 21
• High school diploma or equivalent?, required
• Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferred; Minimum High School Diploma or GED, required
• 3 years of experience in delivering high-quality aquatic programming, required
• 2 years of supervisory experience, preferred
• Current YMCA Lifeguard certification or equivalent (must attain YMCA Lifeguard certification within 90 days of hire)
• Current YMCA Lifeguard Instructor certification or equivalent (must attain YMCA Lifeguard Instructor certification within 180 days of hire)
• Current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification or equivalent (must attain YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification within 120 days of hire)
• Current Basic Life Support (CPRO), First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications
• Successfully complete the YMCA Lifeguard swim test and maintain certification level of physical and mental readiness
• Responsible for recertification before expiration
• Certification to attain within 180 days of hire: Certified Pool Operator
• Certification to attain within one (1) year of hire: YMCA Lifeguard Instructor Trainer
• Certification to attain within one (1) year of hire: YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer
• Strategic thinker, inspiring communicator, and inclusive leader
• Energized by building systems and relationships that make people stronger—inside and out
• Current Praesidium Academy training

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

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