Lifeguard, Reuter YMCA

Under the direction and guidance of the aquatics supervisor and consistent with the mission and policies of the YMCA of Western North Carolina, the Lifeguard oversees the aquatic facility and aquatic activities to ensure the safety of all members and program participants. The Lifeguard is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of all areas in and around the pool. He/She is also accountable for knowing and properly executing all aquatic policies, procedures and duties.

Primary Duties (On the stand):
• Wear required uniform while on duty: lifeguard shirt, bathing suit and/or shorts, whistle, tube and fanny pack containing pocket mask, gloves and other first aid items, other items as instructed by the aquatics supervisor.
• Actively scan and maintain constant vigilance over aquatic area.
• Know and understand all aquatic policies and procedures, including the emergency action plan.
• Ensure the safety and protect the lives of each patron in the aquatic area at all times by enforcing all rules, policies and procedures.
• Be alert, diligent, and conscientious at all times.
• Display a professional, courteous, and tactful demeanor at all times. Always strive to display a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Continuously exhibit honesty, caring, respect, responsibility, reliability, flexibility, maturity, and good decision-making skills.
• Maintain harmonious rapport with staff, volunteers, members, and the general public at all times.

Secondary Duties (Off the stand):
• These are duties that can be completed while working a shift with adequate pool coverage or while you are off the stand.
• Maintain a high level of physical fitness and knowledge of all rescue and survival skills.
• Always report to duty on time and work all scheduled shifts. Find a qualified substitute and obtain approval from the immediate supervisor in the event that missing a scheduled shift is unavoidable.
• Attend and actively participate in all required aquatic staff training and meetings.
• Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the pool and surrounding areas by completing chemical tests of the pool water and performing required pool maintenance duties as routinely scheduled.
• Accurately complete and submit all safety and maintenance records concerning the pool area and usage of the pool as outlined in the Lifeguard Manual.
• Inspect and maintain all emergency equipment (Shepherd's Crooks, ring buoys, rescue tubes, etc.) and other pool equipment and inform the aquatics supervisor and/or Properties Director immediately of any necessary equipment repairs.
• Always champion the YMCA culture and Activate America. Continually provide outstanding customer service, and strive to develop committed members and program participants. Actively participate in membership retention and appreciation efforts when applicable.
• Assist in membership retention by interacting and building relationships with members and guests.
• Initiate communications with the aquatics supervisor as necessary concerning program problems, personnel conflicts, and member concerns.
• Perform other duties as required by the aquatics supervisor.

• Remain alert without lapses in consciousness for extended periods of time.

• Physically perform all necessary rescue and survival skills.

• Swim 500 yards, tread water for two minutes, and perform shallow front dives, head and feet-first surface dives.

• Lift 50+ lbs. from the floor and 200+ lbs. in rescue situations.

• Quickly and safely move to various locations in and around the pool area.

• Sit for extended periods of time, including in an elevated chair.

• Ascend and descend ladders.

• Communicate verbally with good voice projection and clarity.

• Hear noises and distress signals in an aquatic environment. (Significant background noise may exist in the aquatic environment.)

• Observe all areas of the aquatic area including pool deck, water surface and pool bottom.

• Lifeguards must be 16 years of age or older, preferably with previous lifeguarding experience.

• Lifeguards must hold and maintain the following certifications:

• CPR for the Professional Rescuer

• Standard First Aid

• Automated External Defibrillation ~ AED

• American Red Cross and YMCA Lifeguard are accepted for hire.

• YMCA Lifeguard certification is preferred.

• Emergency Oxygen Administration ~ O2 (or within 90 days)

The YMCA of Western North Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to sex, race, color, age, creed, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, uniformed service member, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations or ordinances. No question on our application is intended to secure information to be used for such discrimination. Testing of job-related skills may be required prior to employment