Lifeguard

DescriptionPay starts at $12.50 per hour and up based on experience.

Be the One Who Keeps Our Pool Safe. Join Our Lifeguard Team!

Do you enjoy being active, working with people, and helping create a safe and welcoming environment? As a YMCA Lifeguard, you'll play an important role in protecting the safety of our members, guests, and program participants while helping create a positive experience for everyone in and around the pool. Every day is different. You may be actively monitoring the pool, helping a member feel more comfortable in the water, completing safety checks, responding to an emergency, or simply being a friendly and attentive presence on the pool deck. This role is ideal for someone who is responsible, alert, calm under pressure, and enjoys working with people of all ages.

What You Can Expect

No two shifts are exactly alike. You will

• Maintain active surveillance of the entire pool and deck area.
• Help create a safe, positive, and welcoming environment for members, guests, and program participants.
• Practice preventative lifeguarding by following and enforcing pool rules and safety policies.
• Respond immediately and appropriately to emergency situations in accordance with YMCA procedures.
• Complete routine safety checks of the pool, deck, and equipment.
• Monitor and record water temperature and chemical levels when not actively guarding.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required reports.
• Build positive relationships with members, families, guests, and coworkers.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Support the Aquatics team with other duties as assigned.

What Makes This Job Rewarding

This position offers the opportunity to

• Make a meaningful difference by helping keep your community safe.
• Build relationships with children, families, and members of all ages.
• Develop valuable leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Gain experience in emergency response and preventative safety.
• Work as part of a supportive and collaborative team.
• Build valuable experience for future careers in aquatics, recreation, healthcare, education, or public safety.
• Grow your skills and career within the YMCA.

What Can Be Challenging

Lifeguarding is an active position that requires focus, patience, flexibility, and sound judgment.

You should expect to

• Remain highly alert and focused while actively supervising the pool.
• Monitor multiple areas and swimmers at the same time.
• Enforce pool rules while maintaining a positive and respectful member experience.
• Remain calm and objective when responding to emergencies or challenging situations.
• Spend extended periods standing, walking, or sitting.
• Work in a busy aquatic environment with varying noise levels and activity.
• Respond quickly when conditions or situations change.
• Maintain consistent attention throughout your shift because the safety of our members depends on it.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 15 years of age.
• Willing to obtain a nationally recognized lifeguard certification (required).
• Willing to obtain CPR/AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration certification (required).
• Previous lifeguarding or related experience is preferred but not required.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Willingness to complete required YMCA orientation, training, and ongoing professional development.
• Not certified yet? That's okay! The YMCA provides and pays for required lifeguard training and certification for qualified candidates.

Physical Requirements

Ability to

• Maintain a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
• Stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time.
• Bend and stoop as needed to perform job responsibilities.
• Demonstrate sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform lifeguard responsibilities.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Observe, hear, and communicate effectively in a busy aquatic environment.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations.
• Is This Role Right for You?

You'll be successful in this position if you

Are responsible, attentive, and dependable.

Enjoy working with people of all ages.

Stay calm and focused in busy or unexpected situations.

Can enforce safety expectations while maintaining a friendly and welcoming attitude.

Enjoy being active and working as part of a team.

Are willing to learn and continuously improve your skills.

Believe everyone deserves a safe, welcoming, and positive place to enjoy the water.

Benefits at Crossroads YMCA

When you join Crossroads YMCA, you'll enjoy benefits that support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth, including:

Free individual YMCA membership

Discounts on YMCA program

Voluntary 403(b) retirement savings plan

Training and professional development opportunities

Career growth opportunities

At Crossroads YMCA, we invest in our employees because we know they make a difference in our community every day. As a lifeguard, you'll have the opportunity to build valuable skills, develop meaningful relationships, and help create a safe place where everyone can enjoy the water.

Ready to be the one who keeps our pool safe? Join the Crossroads YMCA Aquatics Team today!