What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lifeguard position at YMCA of Metropolitan Denver?
Now Hiring Lifeguards - Be the Reason Someone Gets Home Safe
Are you alert, responsible, and ready to make a real impact?
At the YMCA, lifeguards do more than watch the water — they create a safe, welcoming environment where individuals and families can build confidence, learn new skills, and belong.
We’re hiring dependable, mission-driven Lifeguards to join our aquatics team.
Why This Role Matters
Drowning prevention is serious work. As a YMCA Lifeguard, you serve as a safety leader, role model, and calm presence in our aquatic spaces.
Every shift, you demonstrate our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility — and ensure every participant can enjoy the water safely.
What You’ll Do
- Maintain constant surveillance of the pool area
- Enforce safety rules in a professional and respectful manner
- Respond quickly and confidently in emergency situations
- Provide first aid and emergency care when needed
- Build positive relationships with members and participants
- Support swim lessons and aquatic programs as assigned
What We’re Looking For
- Strong sense of responsibility and focus
- Ability to remain alert for extended periods
- Quick decision-making skills
- Professional communication
- Team-oriented mindset
Required Certifications
- Lifeguard Certification
- CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers
- First Aid
(If certification is needed, candidates may contact the Aquatics Manager, Robert Baker at rbaker@denverymca.org training opportunities.)
Why You’ll Love Working at the Y
- Flexible scheduling
- Free YMCA membership
- Paid training opportunities
- Growth pathways (Head Guard, Swim Instructor, Aquatics Coordinator)
- A workplace where your role truly matters
The Lifeguard, working as part of the Aquatics team, will deliver world-class customer service and relationship building skills to create a welcoming environment at the YMCA. The Lifeguard will be responsible for guarding the pool and assuring a safe and clean aquatic environment for members and guests. The incumbent will also exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all aspects of their work with the YMCA.
THE YMCA AS THE THIRD PLACE
To be the welcoming and transformative place - beyond work and home - where people feel most able to be their true selves; explore their purpose, dreams and goals; achieve health and wellness for their spirit, mind and body; connect with their community and feel a sense of belonging and possibilities like nowhere else
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Always maintain pool safety; guard using YMCA approved techniques and procedures including dismissing participants for disruptive behaviors
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Perform chemical checks as indicated
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Wear protective gear when handling biohazard materials
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Proactively clean up and/or repair areas used by the program
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Report all accidents and incidents to supervisor immediately using proper forms
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Remain current on Lifeguard Certification, CPR Pro, First Aid and other safety certification training
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Educate participants on pool rules and enforce rules as required
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Be knowledgeable and supportive of the YMCA annual support campaign, and general procedures and policies, including personnel guidelines, facility access procedures, membership policies, and emergency plans
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger to handle or feel objects, tools, controls, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear
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Exposed to wet and humid conditions, outdoor weather conditions including direct UV sun rays, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and potentially explosive materials
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Regularly lift and/or move up to 50-100 pounds
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Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and focus
QUALIFICATIONS
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16 years of age or older
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CPR/AED, Oxygen Administration, and Standard First Aid or ability to obtain before hire
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American Red Cross/YMCA Lifeguard certification or ability to obtain before hire
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High customer relation skills
BENEFITS
- Free individual membership
- Program discounts
- Generous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met
- Employee Assistance Program
- Accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked
- Paid Time off for those scheduled and working 20 per week
Salary : $19