Head Lifeguard

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Head Lifeguard is responsible for providing leadership and supervision to the lifeguard team to ensure a safe, structured, and professional environment in the pools. This role supports daily operations by overseeing guard rotations, enforcing safety standards, assisting with staff scheduling needs, and serving as the point of contact when the Senior Director is not on deck. The Head Guard helps maintain a positive and efficient work environment while upholding YMCA policies and values.

OUR CULTURE:

At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. Our goal is to be a place where employees are empowered and excited to come to work. All staff ensure that members experience customer centric, individual attention each day. We strive to be the preferred partner collaborating with others, identifying, and meeting our community needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide on-deck supervision and leadership to lifeguards during assigned shifts.
• Ensure guards maintain vigilant surveillance, follow rotation schedules, and take breaks appropriately.
• Monitor and reinforce cleanliness and readiness of the pool deck, guard stations, and equipment.
• Lead responses to aquatic emergencies and incidents; complete and submit proper documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact during evening and peak hours for both staff and members.
• Assist with shift coverage coordination and communicate staffing needs to the Senior Director.
• Support onboarding and shadowing of new guards to ensure understanding of expectations and standards.
• Maintain professionalism and model YMCA core values in all interactions.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants.
• Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations and follow mandated abuse reporting procedures.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Emotional Maturity
• Communication
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 18
• Current YMCA Lifeguard or ARC Lifeguard Certifications and Basic Life Support (CPR), AED, Basic First Aid and Oxygen Administration certifications.
• Ability to maintain certification-level of physical and mental readiness.
• Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA or ARC standards.
• Complete Bloodborne pathogens course annually.
• Maintain all required certifications (active)
• Prior experience as a lifeguard required; leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong communication and decision-making skills.
• Ability to remain calm and direct others effectively during emergencies.
• Dependable, organized, and team oriented.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to pass lifeguard skills assessment and water test.
• Must be able to remain alert.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
• Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for water rescue.
• Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.
• Ability to work inside and outside (environments include humidity, heat, cold, wet and inclement weather conditions)

COMPANY BENEFITS:

• YMCA Membership: Enjoy access to our YMCA facilities at no cost.
• 25% Discount on YMCA Programs
• Employee Referral Bonus: Earn rewards for referring to qualified candidates.
• Employee Discounts: Access exclusive discounts on various products and services.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Eligibility after 90 days of employment.

HOURLY PAY RATE: $20.00–$21.75

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM