Lifeguard

Description

The Lifeguard ensures the safety of all swimmers and participants within the pool area, providing a safe, enjoyable environment for all guests. This position is responsible for maintaining constant surveillance of the pool, providing emergency care when necessary, and enforcing YMCA safety policies. The Lifeguard will also assist with maintaining the cleanliness of the facility and promoting positive interactions with members.

Requirements

It is the responsibility of the Lifeguard to perform all the following duties always remembering what they are representative of the Greater Peoria Family YMCA and its values.

• Monitor swimmers and guests to ensure safety and proper conduct at all times.
• Enforce all YMCA rules and regulations related to swimming and pool use.
• Provide immediate assistance in the event of an emergency, including first aid, CPR, and water rescues.
• Maintain a clean and safe pool area by ensuring proper water quality, equipment maintenance, and cleanliness.
• Communicate with other lifeguards, staff, and the public to ensure a smooth operation.
• Assist in emergency drills and other safety procedures as directed by the Aquatics Director.
• Participate in regular training and certification updates as required.
• Provide exceptional customer service by answering questions and addressing concerns.
• Report any maintenance or safety issues to the Aquatic Operations Lead and Aquatics Director promptly.
• Support YMCA community programs and events as needed.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others. 

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age requirement of 15.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (or equivalent).
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Previous lifeguarding experience preferred, but not required.
• Ability to remain calm and act quickly in emergency situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to swim proficiently and pass a swimming test.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to pass lifeguard water test.
• Must be able to remain alert.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
• Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.
• Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.