Lifeguard

Job Title: Lifeguard

Type: Part-time to Full-time (Summer Full-Time possibilities)

Reports to: Aquatics Director

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind & body for all.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Lifeguard assures the safety of all aquatic participants in and around the pool area and maintains a safe pool environment.

COMPENSATION:

• $16.00 - $17.00 (depending on experience)

• Free Individual YMCA membership 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 15 years of age 

• Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid preferred

• Proficient in swimming and safety skills

• Must demonstrate qualities of a leader and be able to complete tasks with minimal supervision 

• Must be observant, safety conscious and able to react calmly and quickly to an emergency

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Maintain American Red Cross Lifeguard/CPR-AED/First-Aid certification and maintain YMCA Lifeguard Certification 

• Illinois Child Abuse Prevention every year

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Practice preventative lifeguarding, maintaining constant surveillance of pool area.

• Ensure quality performance of all aquatics staff.

• Enforce pool rules and policies.

• While Lifeguarding, refrain from other duties, such as testing chemicals, storing equipment, etc. while actively guarding. Additional duties would be completed prior to or after actively guarding or during a shift rotation when you have a short break from actively guarding.

• Keep pool area clean and orderly.

• Support and follow YMCA policies and decisions and answer member questions about the YMCA and its programs.

• Maintain all aquatic equipment by ensuring proper use and storage.

• Test pool water temperature and chemical levels daily, reporting any concerns to a supervisor.

• Check rescue equipment and first aid supplies daily.

• Immediately notify a supervisor of any broken equipment or unsafe aspects of the pool.

• Act as a Primary Responder in case of injury, accident, or illness.

• Be knowledgeable of emergency procedures. 

• Report injuries and complete required forms.

• Follow proper rotations protocol.

• Exhibit a professional attitude at all times, which includes wearing appropriate staff uniform.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

• Influence: Employs influence strategies that engage, inspire, and build commitment to position and overall Y goals

• Communication: Listens and expresses ideas effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience

• Decision Making: Integrates logic, intuition, and sound judgment to analyze information to identify greatest opportunities, make sound decisions, and solve problems 

• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be mentally alert to dangerous situations in order to assure the safety of all swimmers.

• Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR, Oxygen and First Aid effectively.

• Physical mobility to properly use aquatic equipment to rescue a 200 lb. person

• Must be able to physically stand and sit for an extended period of time.

• Physically able to see, hear, and communicate clearly and be able to hear noises and distress signals 

in aquatic environment

• Swim with proficiency and endurance for possible rescues.

• Must be able to communicate clearly with members and staff using Listen First skills.

BENEFITS

Complimentary individual YMCA membership, Retirement savings options: 401(k) for eligible employees, 403(b), and Roth IRA, Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA), Training and development programs, 50% discounts on eligible programs (e.g., child-care), Workers’ compensation

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Ottawa YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.