Lifeguard

Position Summary

The Lifeguard is responsible for maintaining a safe and positive aquatic environment that reflects the mission and values of the YMCA of Indiana County. This position ensures the safety and well-being of all members, program participants, and guests in and around the pool area by maintaining vigilant surveillance, enforcing all pool rules and policies, and responding effectively to emergencies. The Lifeguard provides exceptional customer service, promotes water safety awareness, and contributes to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all.

Core Competencies:

• Safety Awareness

Maintains vigilance to prevent accidents and ensures a safe environment for all participants.

• Emergency Response

Demonstrates readiness to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations.

• Customer Focus

Provides exceptional service while fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and positive atmosphere.

• Communication

Clearly and professionally conveys instructions, policies, and safety information to members and staff.

• Team Collaboration

Works cooperatively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals and maintain a safe environment.

• Integrity and Professionalism

Upholds YMCA values, adheres to policies, and demonstrates accountability in all actions.

• Adaptability

Responds flexibly to changing circumstances, challenges, and high-stress situations.

• Attention to Detail

Observes and identifies potential hazards or unsafe behaviors before they escalate.

• Commitment to Continuous Learning

Participates in ongoing training, skill development, and certification renewals.

Responsibilities: Lifeguard - Y

• Maintain constant surveillance of the pool, deck, and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of all members and program participants.
• Enforce all aquatic facility rules, policies, and procedures in a professional and consistent manner.
• Respond promptly and effectively to emergencies, including administering first aid, CPR, or rescue techniques as needed.
• Assist with the implementation of aquatic programs and activities, ensuring safety and engagement for all participants.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the pool area and related equipment, following YMCA safety and sanitation standards.
• Provide exceptional customer service by greeting members, answering questions, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Participate in ongoing training, certifications, and professional development, including safety drills and skill refreshers.
• Collaborate with team members to support the overall mission and values of the YMCA of Indiana County.
• Responsible for immediate communication with supervisor for incident/accident reporting
• Communicates effectively with participants, parents/guardians, team members, and supervisors. Manage difficult situations with a high level of professionalism and discretion. Observes and discusses participant progress with parents/guardians as appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers to share feedback, address concerns, and support continuous program improvement.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, family events, and program activities as required.
• Report any suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law and YMCA policy.
• Provides a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor to support program success.

Qualifications: Lifeguard - Y

• Must be at least 15 years of age (or as required by state/local regulations).
• Current certification in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid (or willing to obtain upon hire).
• Strong swimming ability and physical fitness to perform rescues and respond to emergencies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage positively with members, youth, and team members.
• Ability to remain alert, attentive, and composed in high-stress or emergency situations.
• Demonstrated reliability, responsibility, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and inclusive environment of the YMCA of Indiana County.

The following are required at the time of hire.

• Child Abuse Clearance (Dept of Human Services)
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Department of Human Services)
• PA Criminal Clearance (PATCH) (Dept. of Human Services)
• Mandated Reporter
• Great American Academy Training

• Disclosure Statement: signed/witnessed at time of hire.
• Pediatric and Adult First Aid/CPR/AED within 60 days of hire.

Skills:

• Communication and Interpersonal Skills – Able to interact positively with members, guests, youth, and team members.
• Customer Service Orientation – Provides a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making – Quickly assesses situations and makes appropriate, safety-focused decisions.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Works effectively with other lifeguards, staff, and supervisors.
• Reliability and Professionalism – Demonstrates punctuality, responsibility, and adherence to YMCA policies and procedures.
• Adaptability and Stress Management – Remains calm and effective during high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Maintains professionalism, confidentiality, and composure in a dynamic, youth-focused environment.
• Demonstrated reliability, responsibility, and maturity.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Certifications & Training:

• 1st Aid/CPR/AED

Commitment:

Dedication to the YMCA’s mission and core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Physical Requirements:

• Swimming Proficiency: Must be able to swim efficiently and continuously for extended periods.
• Strength and Endurance: Ability to lift, carry, and assist individuals in water rescues, and perform sustained physical activity during shifts.
• Mobility and Agility: Ability to move quickly on pool decks, stairs, and slippery surfaces.
• Vision and Hearing: Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to monitor swimmers and respond to alarms or calls for help.
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to handle rescue equipment, administer first aid, and operate pool safety devices.
• Emergency Readiness: Capacity to respond rapidly to emergencies, including diving, reaching, or swimming to assist swimmers in distress.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to maintain alertness and attentiveness for long periods while standing or patrolling the pool area.
• Lifting Requirements: May be required to lift up to 50 pounds during rescue or emergency situations.

Auditory – (Hearing Requirements)

• Ability to hear voices, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds to communicate, answer phones and respond to alarms/emergencies.

Visual Requirements

• Requires good color, depth, and field of vision (with or without correction) to distinguish objects from one another, detect and visually follow moving objects.

Hazardous Conditions/Materials Exposure

• May involve exposure to various pool chemicals.
• Potential to encounter bodily fluids/blood.

Dress Code: (clean modest and in good condition)

• Swimwear
  • Female– one-piece red swimsuit, lifeguard shirt, lifeguard shorts
  • Male – red swim trunks, lifeguard shirt

• Footwear
  • non-slip and appropriate for wet pool deck surfaces when not in the water.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE),

Whistles, rescue tubes, and flotation devices, must be worn or carried as required during shifts.

• Hair

Neatly secured away from the face to ensure clear vision during supervision and rescues.

• Jewelry

Minimal to avoid interference with safety duties.

• Lifeguards are expected to present a professional appearance that aligns with YMCA values and promotes a welcoming environment.
• Prohibited Items:
  • Shirts with offensive images or text.