Lifeguard

YMCA of Greater Hartford Job Description

Job Title: Lifeguard

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Job Grade:

Primary Department: Aquatics

Reports to: Aquatic Director

Revision Date: 07/31/2024 Leadership Level:

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under direct supervision of the Aquatics Director, Lifeguards should ensure a safe, clean and enjoyable aquatic environment for YMCA members and participants. Ensure safety of all individuals in the pool area including people on deck. Lifeguards should be alert and watching all activity in and around the pool, walking around the pool area to see all points in their zone, enforcing and informing members of all pool rules, recognize and respond to emergency situations, perform emergency care and contact emergency assistance when required. Greets everyone by using names whenever possible; extends thanks whenever appropriate; building relationships is always a priority. The position is responsible for ensuring that the mission, purpose, image and core values of the YMCA of Greater Hartford is conveyed in all we do.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. To ensure the safety of every individual at the YMCA, both in and around the pool as well as the rest of the facility.

2. To enforce regulations pertaining to showers, food and drink, conduct.

3. To help in maintaining the premises in a clean and sanitary condition.

4. To maintain accurate records as required by the CT Health Department Sanitary Code.

5. Be acquainted with other available facilities and activities.

6. To learn and review all emergency procedures.

7. To attend all staff meetings and in-services as required.

8. To report 15 minutes prior to scheduled hours in proper uniform (whistle, trunks and provided lifeguard shirt for men and one-piece suit and provided lifeguard shirt for women).

9. To secure a substitute lifeguard when unable to fulfill assigned duties and notify supervisor of changes.

10. Ability to see and hear individuals and alarms in pool/pool area.

11. Ability to use chemistry test kit.

12. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

13. Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.

14. Ability to perform activities which require sustained concentration and attention

15. To maintain all certifications required by the YMCA of Greater Hartford.

16. All other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• Current YMCA or ARC Lifeguard, CPR for the Professional Rescuer Certification (infant, child and adult), Oxygen Admin and First Aid certification.
• In addition to the above requirements, it is expected that a lifeguard will bring to his/her position maturity, responsibility, positive values and sincere interest in working with people.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT:

• Must be able to stand for the duration of the shift.
• Must be able to bend and stoop occasionally.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to spend long periods of time in the pool.
• Sit for extended periods, including in an elevated chair.
• Remain alert, with no lapses in consciousness.
• Move to various locations, including in and around an elevated chair.
• Communicate verbally, including projecting the voice across distances, and communicate swiftly and effectively with emergency personnel over the telephone and in person.
• Hear noises and distress signals in an aquatic environment, including in water, understanding that significant background noise exists in aquatic environments.
• Operate alone as a lifeguard, without other lifeguards for support.
• Observe all assigned sections of the water area.
• Perform all needed rescues and survival skills.
• Think in the abstract, solve problems, make decisions, instruct, supervise and remember.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency