Lifeguard: Year-Round

YMCA of Greater Brandywine; Berwyn (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free family membership

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

Babysitting (up to 4 hours/day)

Retirement contribution 12%

Employee Assistance Program

Continuing education reimbursement

Career development and paid training

Unlimited referral bonus

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Brandywine in Berwyn, PA is seeking a dedicated lifeguard to safeguard members and program participants across all aquatic facilities, enforcing policies per state statutes, YMCA guidelines, and Ellis & Associates standards. The role requires vigilant zone scanning, responsive rescue readiness, and professional interaction with guests.

A strong training mindset, drills, and adherence to safety procedures are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Must be 15 years of age or older.
• Current Ellis & Associates lifeguard certification or equivalent.
• Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, AED and Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Complete monthly Ellis & Associates in-service hours and scanning skills.
• Obtain and maintain new hire certifications within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Actively scan the assigned zone every 10 seconds and respond quickly within 20 seconds to reach the farthest point.
• Perform a thorough bottom scan of zones as rotations occur.
• Position self to maintain clear pool bottom view despite glare or structures.
• Guard from elevated chair or pool edge, rotating zones at regular intervals.
• Follow 5 Minute Strategy standards and never leave the pool deck unguarded.
• Remain Rescue Ready with equipment readily accessible at all times.
• Participate in all drills and trainings as if live scenarios.
• Close the pool if unsafe and alert a supervisor per policy.
• Communicate professionally with members and enforce pool rules.
• Swim test procedures and age-appropriate monitoring per association protocols.
• Support cleanliness and duties during rotations away from guarding.

Skills

Age 15+

Lifeguard cert

CPR/First Aid/ AED

Annual in-service hours

Additional certifications within 90d

Job description

Embark on a Journey of Impactful Adventure

The lifeguard is responsible for the guarding and safety of members and program participants within all aquatic facilities. This role will be responsible for carrying out and enforcing aquatic policies and procedures in compliance with statutes as described by the State of Pennsylvania, the YMCA of the USA, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, lifeguard licensing agency Ellis and Associates, and YMCA insurance representative.

Who Are We?

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) was named a 2026 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for the third consecutive year. An association of nine YMCAs serving Chester County, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility through life-changing programs for all.

Perks & Benefits

• Free family YMCA membership, including outdoor pools
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid holidays and plentiful PTO for full-time employees
• Babysitting while you work (up to 4 hours per day)
• Generous program discounts on childcare, camp, youth sports, swimming lessons and everyday essentials like home, auto, and pet insurance on our employee marketplace
• 12% employer contribution to retirement savings upon reaching eligibility and optional 403B retirement savings plan upon hire.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education reimbursement, tuition discounts with Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata University
• Career development and paid training
• Unlimited referral bonus beginning at $300.00

What You’ll Do

• ACTIVELY scanning the assigned zone of coverage every 10 seconds and getting to the farthest point within another 20 seconds.
• Each rotation lifeguard should perform a profound bottom scan of their zones as they rotate in and rotate out.
• Position self so that glare, building components, or floating play structures do not compromise the view of the pool bottom of the entire area of responsibility.
• Guard from one of two positions: (1) in an elevated chair at the edge of the pool OR (2) standing or patrolling within one foot from pool edge at all times.
• Change body position every five minutes in accordance with Jeff Ellis & Associates "5 Minute Strategy" Standards.
• Never leave the pool deck unguarded for any reason.
• Be "Rescue Ready" (feet flat, fanny pack, rescue tube in front of or on side of body at all times with slack being carried in your hand and whistle) at any time.
• Actively participate in all in-house required drills, including mock drills and monthly in-house trainings. Respond to all drills as if they were live situations.
• Close the pool if conditions are unsafe and alert a supervisor immediately. Follow the Association Thunder and Lightning Policy.
• Act professionally and responsibly when communicating with members.
• Follow association guidelines to swim test and mark all children aged 14 and under in accordance with association protocols.
• Consistently and always enforce all pool rules with courtesy and fairness.
• Assist with maintaining a clean facility by following the down duties for each branch and/or any other responsibilities while on rotation away from actively lifeguarding.
• Abide by the following expectations: Lifeguards are expected to scan in one zone for no more than 30 minutes. Lifeguards will rotate zones at least every 30 minutes and will have a 15 min break after working 4 hours. During the 4 hours lifeguards are working they will have breaks from scanning that may include but are not limited to: administering swim tests, putting away equipment, cleaning the pool area, checking locker rooms, administering first aid, and engaging with members. At no point, during this four-hour period, should lifeguards be using a cell phone for any reason.
• Refrain from cell phone use and smart watches while actively lifeguarding.
• Ensure compliance with all YGBW policies and standard operating procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

What You'll Need

• Must be 15 years of age or older
• Current lifeguarding certification from Ellis & Associates or transferred Ellis & Assoc. lifeguard certification
• Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, AED, and Blood borne Pathogens
• Complete required monthly in-service hours of Ellis & Associates in-service training and scanning skills,
• Obtain and maintain all additional new hire certifications and trainings within 90 days of hire

Work Conditions and Physical Demands

The 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.