Lifeguard | Wellmark YMCA

YMC; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The YMCA in Des Moines (Wellmark YMCA) is seeking a part-time Lifeguard to supervise the aquatic environment and ensure guest safety. You will monitor the pool, enforce rules, perform rescues if needed, and support program activities in a fast-paced indoor setting.

Able applicants must be 16+ and hold a current Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (or equivalent) prior to starting, with basic computer skills and compliance training. Shifts include mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard Certification OR equivalent – prior to starting.
• Child Abuse Prevention Training - prior to starting if hired and maintained afterwards.
• Basic computer skills (time clock and online training)

Responsibilities

• Rescue Ready at all times – maintain surveillance of water and deck areas.
• Know and demonstrate emergency procedures.
• Respond to emergencies per the facility's Emergency Action Plan.
• Enforce pool rules and safety procedures.
• Keep pool and deck free of hazards.
• Handle equipment to ensure safety.
• Record chemical readings and follow safety protocols.
• Monitor safety and emergency equipment.
• Attend in-service training as required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Align with Association mission and values.

Skills

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or equivalent

Age 16+

Child Abuse Prevention Training

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]

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), Evenings (4:15 PM -7:45 PM or 9:00 PM) and Weekends
PAY RANGE: $16.00+ / hour - based on experience and certification status
CLOSING DAT E FOR APPLICAT IONS: November 10, 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.

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.