Lifeguard

HIRING BONUSES:

• $200 for Individuals who have current Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR certifications (Ready to Guard); $100/30days & $100/60days
• OR; reimbursed class fees for individuals who certify at the YMCA and lifeguard for the YMCA for 60 days.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Lifeguard at an Akron Area YMCA creates and maintains a safe, supportive, and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintains active surveillance of the pool area at all times, free of distractions from all electronic devices and prolonged conversation.
2. Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and completes related reports as required. Attends in-service trainings on a regular basis to maintain knowledge and practice all emergency procedures and skills.
3. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.
4. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
5. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
6. Reports to work on time and is rescue ready at the start time of scheduled shift.
7. Secures a qualified substitute well in advance and notifies Supervisor.
8. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.
9. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
10. Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
11. Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.
12. Complete all other jobs as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION:

Upholding the YMCA’s commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

1. Attend required abuse risk management training.
2. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
3. Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
4. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
5. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication: Interprets messages and body language effectively. Listens with intent to understand the perspective of others by using appropriate communication methods, including open-ended questions.
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Recognizes own biases and suspends judgmental thinking. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.
• Emotional Maturity: Acts in alignment with personal and organizational values in all situations. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others. Accepts responsibility for behavior. Leads with empathy, anticipating how actions and words impact others. Operates with openness and a willingness to receive ongoing feedback from all levels of the organization.
• Inclusion: Embraces all dimensions of diversity (i.e., ability, age, culture, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, income, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc.) by treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 15
• Certifications: Basic life support or professional rescuer CPR/AED, first aid, and emergency oxygen administration
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard certification or equivalent
• Child abuse prevention training within 90 days of hire date
• Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
• Sit/stand for extended periods of time in a warm environment.
• Recognize distress signals through sight and sound in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.