Lifeguard: Johnston YMCA

YMC; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 15,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free Y membership

Discounts on programming

Lifeguard Certification covered

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Charlotte is seeking a part-time Lifeguard in Charlotte, NC. Responsible for ensuring swimmer safety, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies. Requires ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays with strong communication and water-safety skills.

Compensation includes an hourly wage of $11.25–$12.50 and benefits such as Lifeguard Certification support. Join a community-focused team and help maintain a safe, welcoming environment for YMCA members.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Strong swimming ability and endurance for rescues.
• Able to stay alert for extended periods in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable working around water for extended periods.
• Understand water safety and lifeguard best practices.
• Remain calm and decisive in emergencies.
• Dependable and punctual with safe practices.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Pass Lifeguard Certification within 30 days (provided by YMCA).

Responsibilities

• Monitor pool areas at all times to ensure swimmer safety.
• Enforce facility rules with a professional attitude.
• Respond quickly to emergencies and assist swimmers in distress.
• Conduct routine safety checks of pool and equipment.
• Maintain records of incidents and maintenance needs.
• Provide excellent customer service to members and guests.
• Assist with pool cleanliness and chemical balance as directed.
• Support YMCA aquatic programs and events.
• Uphold YMCA core values in daily work.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Skills

Strong swimming

Emergency response

Communication skills

Teamwork

Water safety

Flexible schedule

Education

Lifeguard certification within 30 days

Job description

• Location 3025 N Davidson Street,Charlotte, NC, 28205,United States
• Base Pay $11.25 - $12.50 / Hour
• Other Compensation Free Y Membership! Discounts on paid programming. We cover the cost of your Lifeguard Certification!
• Job Category Aquatics, Part Time
• Employee Type Non-Exempt PT

Description

The Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety of all swimmers and guests in the aquatic facility by
preventing accidents, enforcing rules, and responding to emergencies. This role requires vigilance, strong communication skills, and the ability to act quickly in emergency situations. The Lifeguard plays a key role in creating a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable aquatic environment for YMCA members and the community.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.

We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.

We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.

We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential Functions

• Monitor pool areas at all times to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
• Enforce facility rules and policies while maintaining a professional and welcoming attitude.
• Recognize and respond to emergency situations quickly and effectively.
• Assist swimmers in distress and provide appropriate aid when necessary.
• Conduct routine safety checks of pool, equipment, and surrounding areas.
• Maintain accurate records of incidents, rescues, and pool maintenance needs.
• Engage positively with members, guests, and staff, providing excellent customer service.
• Assist with pool cleanliness and chemical balance checks as directed.
• Support YMCA aquatic programs and events as needed.
• Uphold the YMCA’s mission and core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of application.
• Strong swimming ability and endurance to perform rescues and maintain pool safety.
• Ability to stay alert and focused for extended periods in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills to interact with patrons and enforce rules.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be comfortable working in and around water for extended periods.
• Understanding of water safety principles and lifeguard best practices.
• Ability to remain calm and take decisive action in emergency situations.
• Dependable and punctual, with a commitment to maintaining a safe environment.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Passion for safety, aquatics, and community engagement.
• Ability to pass Lifeguard Certification class within 30 days of hire (provided by the YMCA)

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous lifeguarding experience.
• Current lifeguarding certifications.
• Current professional level First Aid and CPR certifications.

Working Conditions

• Work in both indoor and outdoor pool environments, with exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
• Physically active role requiring standing, sitting, swimming, and scanning the pool area for extended periods.
• Frequent exposure to chlorinated water and pool chemicals.
• Loud environment with high guest interaction and background noise.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical rescues if necessary.
• Requires constant attentiveness and quick reaction times to ensure swimmer safety.
• Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on pool programming.

Competencies

1. INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
2. CRITICAL THINKING & DECISION MAKING: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment
3. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
4. FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role