Lifeguard

Make a Difference. Save Lives. Build Community.

Are you a certified lifeguard looking for a rewarding role where you can make a difference every day? Countryside YMCA is seeking responsible, safety-focused individuals to join our Aquatics Team.

As a Certified Lifeguard, you are entrusted with protecting the lives of members and guests while creating a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable aquatic experience for all. Whether supervising recreational swimming, supporting swim lessons, or responding during emergencies, lifeguards play one of the most important roles in our organization.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must hold a current YMCA of the USA Lifeguard Certification or American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification.
• Must hold current Basic Life Support (BLS), First Aid, and Oxygen Administration certifications.
• Must successfully complete a Lifeguard Skills Test during the interview process, including endurance swimming, a timed event, CPR demonstration, and rescue skills assessment.
• Employees age 18 and older must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Must demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and sound judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to consistently enforce YMCA and Aquatic Department policies and procedures.
• Must provide professional, positive customer service at all times.
• Reliable and punctual attendance required.
• Basic knowledge of pool chemistry and maintenance preferred.

Why Join Countryside YMCA?

• Flexible scheduling opportunities
• Free YMCA membership
• Opportunity to build leadership and emergency response skills
• Positive team-oriented work environment
• Meaningful work that directly impacts the safety and well-being of our community
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Essential Functions

• Maintain active surveillance of assigned pool areas and remain free from distractions while guarding.
• Serve as the first line of defense in keeping members and guests safe by identifying and responding to unsafe behaviors and emergency situations.
• Arrive prepared and in proper uniform, including required rescue equipment.
• Observe assigned aquatic zones continuously and effectively, including periods of guarding independently.
• Know, review, and respond to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the Safe-in-Six model.
• Complete incident and accident reports as required.
• Conduct safety inspections of assigned aquatic areas and identify potential hazards.
• Provide direct supervision during recreational swimming, fitness classes, swim lessons, swim team activities, and other aquatic programs.
• Follow all opening and closing procedures and secure aquatic facilities when not in use.
• Attend all required staff meetings, trainings, and in-service sessions.
• Consistently apply and enforce YMCA and Aquatic Department safety rules in a courteous, professional, and firm manner.
• Build positive relationships with members, participants, and coworkers through respectful and effective communication.
• Monitor pool chemical levels and mechanical systems and take appropriate action when needed.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, safe, and organized aquatic environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Within First Week of Employment

• Aquatic Department Orientation
• Abuse Prevention Training Module (mandatory)

Additional Required Training

• Community Health and Safety Program Orientation
• New Hire Orientation
• All required training modules and certifications as a condition of employment

Our Commitment to Child Safety

Countryside YMCA is committed to providing a safe environment for all children and vulnerable individuals in our care. We follow best practices for abuse prevention, including thorough screening, ongoing training, and clear behavioral expectations for staff and volunteers.

We maintain a zero-tolerance policy regarding abuse and take all allegations and concerns seriously. All employees are required to follow child protection policies, complete required training, and immediately report any suspicious, inappropriate, or concerning behavior.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to successfully complete required lifeguard skills testing.
• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, reach, and handle lifesaving equipment throughout the workday.
• Ability to recognize and respond to visual and auditory signs of distress and unsafe behavior.
• Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color differentiation, depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must possess proficient swimming skills and the ability to apply rescue and first aid techniques effectively.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally and perform water rescues, including extracting individuals from the pool when necessary.
• Ability to analyze situations, solve problems, and communicate effectively in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• May interact with members and participants who are dissatisfied, distressed, or experiencing emergencies.
• Regular exposure to pools, water, humidity, and pool chemicals.
• Noise levels may vary from quiet to loud depending on programming and facility usage.

Reasonable Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Salary : $13 - $14