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Head Lifeguard

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
Wyoming, MI Part Time
POSTED ON 12/12/2025 CLOSED ON 2/11/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Lifeguard position at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids?

Description

This position is for our Spartan Nash YMCA location. Applicants must be available for afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts. 


POSITION SUMMARY:

The Head Lifeguard assists the Aquatic Director with the day-to-day supervising and training of lifeguards to secure the safety of aquatic program participants. The Head Lifeguard will ensure a safe, fun area for children and adults to interact and enjoy. This position requires face-to-face leadership and includes afternoon, evening, and weekend responsibilities. 


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Administers emergency First Aid and CPR
  • Actively guards, provides breaks for lifeguards, and handles disciplinary action while on duty
  • Maintains supervision of participants and staff while on duty
  • Teaches swim lessons (after obtaining YMCA Swim Instructor Certification)
  • Enforces aquatic rules and procedures
  • Washes and maintains deck
  • Keeps deck free of obstructions
  • Takes and records chemical readings
  • Assist with trainings for Lifeguard staff
  • Maintains all areas in clean, presentable fashion
  • Maintains pool and deck equipment
  • Prepares and distributes rosters and schedules to members
  • Distributes and collects program evaluations
  • Enforces safety standards and follows emergency procedures
  • Ensures State of Michigan’s Department of Health requirements are met
  • Maintains State of Michigan’s Department of Health records

Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.


COMPENSATION

$17.09 - $21.36 ; Part Time, Non Exempt (25 hours/week)


BENEFITS:

  • Free YMCA Individual Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities.
  • Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan. 
  • Paid Sick Time – Earn paid sick leave so you can focus on feeling your best when it matters most. 
  • Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.


Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

1-3 years life guarding experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required. Ability to react quickly to emergency situations. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. Must be at least 18 years of age or older. YMCA experience preferred.


CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, or equivalent, required
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for rescue (required)
  • YMCA Swim Instructor Certification, required within 90 days of hire
  • First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
  • AED-Oxygen Certification required within the first 60 days
  • Blood Borne Pathogen training
  • State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)


WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and 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.

  • Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
  • Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
  • See and observe all sections of an assigned zone of responsibility, with our without reasonable accommodations.


TRAVEL

0-5% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.


Salary : $17 - $21

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