About this role

The Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the safety of all pool patrons by monitoring activities, enforcing pool rules, and responding quickly to emergencies. This role requires vigilance, strong swimming skills, and the ability to provide first aid or CPR as needed. The lifeguard helps maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for swimmers of all ages.

SALARY RANGE: $20.00-$22.00/hour

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Actively scan the pool, looking for hazards and monitoring the safety of swimmers.
Conduct swim tests with young swimmers.
Adheres to program standards, including safety and cleanliness standards, and ensures consistency with evidence-based practices.
Attends staff meetings and trainings.
Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies.
Complete required abuse prevention training.
Supervise high-risk activities responsibly and report any unsafe or inappropriate behavior.
Follow mandated reporting laws for suspected abuse.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Other duties and responsibilities assigned by supervisor

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Lift equipment and a small- to average-size child.
Remain in the pool area at all times.
Remain alert, with no lapses of consciousness, in a warm environment with air temperatures of 80 degrees or higher.
Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
Support child or adult body weight in the water.
Remain in water ranging from 80--90 degrees for one to four hours.
Communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance, in normal and loud situations.

Qualifications

Must be 15 years of age
Basic life support or professional rescuer CPR/AED, first aid, and emergency oxygen administration certifications and child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date
YMCA Lifeguard certification or approved lifeguard certification
Patience and the ability to effectively communicate

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.

Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgement.

Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role.

Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.

Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.

Lifeguard - Palo Alto

Key skills

About this role