Lifeguard | Wellmark YMCA

Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Wellmark YMCA in Des Moines is seeking a Lifeguard to supervise the aquatics area and ensure patron safety. Shifts include mornings (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM or 9:00 AM) and weekends, with pay at $16.00+ per hour depending on experience and certification.

The role requires current Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (or equivalent) and a minimum age of 16. Apply by Sept 1, 2026; rolling review.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard Certification OR equivalent – prior to starting.
• Ability to read, write, and perform simple mathematical functions.
• Child Abuse Prevention Training - prior to starting if hired.
• Additional training to be completed within the first 30 days and maintained afterwards.

Responsibilities

• Rescue Ready at all times - maintain constant surveillance of the water and pool deck areas.
• Know emergency procedures and be able to demonstrate them.
• Respond to emergencies according to the facility’s Emergency Action Plan.
• Enforce rules and procedures.
• Keep the pool and pool deck free of obstructions and safety hazards.
• Handle equipment to ensure safety.
• Obtain and record chemical readings, and follow safety protocols.
• Monitor safety / emergency equipment.
• Attend in-service trainings per guidelines.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Lifeguard certification

Emergency response

Communication

Observation skills

Education

Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

Job description

• Location 501 Grand Ave,Des Moines, IA, 50309,United States
• Base Pay $16.00 / Hour
• Employee Type Part-Time

Contact information

• Name JoElle Nelson
• Email [e-mail]

Description

There's nothing likeworking at the Y!

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Our staff members are people who drive this cause – it is because of our drive, our passion, our belief in others, and our belief in the strength of our mission that we are able to make a difference – every day.

EVERY position positively impacts others at the Y - JOIN US, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION: IfNOT certified, will be required to take the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course.
JOB LOCATION: Wellmark YMCA
SHIFTS AVAILABLE: Mornings (5:00 AM - 7:00 AM or 9:00 AM) and Weekends
PAY RANGE: $16.00+ / hour - based on experience and certification status
CLOSING DAT E FOR APPLICAT IONS: September 1, 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Lifeguard, you are responsible for supervising the aquatics environment, including patrons, programs, and activities, with the primary responsibility of ensuring aquatic safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Rescue Ready at all times - maintain constant surveillance of the water and pool deck areas.
• Know emergency procedures and is able to demonstrate them.
• Respond to all emergencies according the facility’s Emergency Action Plan
• Enforce rules and procedures.
• Keep the pool and pool deck free of obstructions and safety hazards.
• Handle equipment as assigned to ensure safety.
• Obtain and record chemical readings, and follow safety protocols.
• Monitor safety / emergency equipment.
• Attend in-service training in accordance with the Association’s guidelines.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor or designated staff person.
• Demonstrate and support the objectives of the Association as embodied in the mission statement and values.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read, write, and perform simple mathematical functions
• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Perform basic computer skills such as using the computerized time clock and online training requirements.
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard Certification OR equivalent – prior to starting.
• Child Abuse Prevention Training - prior to starting if hired and maintained afterwards.
• Additional training to be completed within the first 30 days and maintained afterwards.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate with people and monitor property and activity
• Ability to complete the lifeguard skills prerequisite, such as swimming distances, treading water, retrieving water from a depth of at least 7 feet.
• Ability to remain alert at all time
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity
• Ability to adapt to changing working conditions

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. This position usually works in an indoor aquatics environment, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces.

Summary

Helppositively impact children and families in our community and SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPACT YOUR OWN LIFE - experience, knowledge, satisfaction and joy arejust some of the ways you'll grow, learn and thrive.