Junior Lifeguard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ready to turn your love of the water into leadership experience?

The YMCA Junior Lifeguard program is a paid, structured development opportunity designed for 15-year-olds who want to begin preparing for lifeguard certification at age 16.

This is your first step toward becoming a certified lifeguard — while learning responsibility, teamwork, and safety awareness in a supervised environment.

As a Junior Lifeguard, you will:

• Assist certified lifeguards with deck support and safety monitoring
• Help maintain a clean and safe pool environment
• Support swim lessons and aquatic programs
• Participate in lifeguard readiness training sessions
• Practice water safety and emergency response fundamentals
• Model YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility

Junior Lifeguards are always scheduled with certified staff and are never assigned independent lifeguard duties.

• Real-world job experience at age 15
• Mentorship from experienced lifeguards
• Leadership and communication skills
• Strong foundation for lifeguard certification at age 16
• Confidence in safety awareness and teamwork

The YMCA is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all participants and staff. Junior Lifeguards:

• Work under direct supervision of certified lifeguards
• Are never scheduled alone
• Complete required safety and abuse prevention training
• Follow all YMCA safety and professional conduct policies

At the YMCA, we believe young people can lead. This role helps you build the skills, responsibility, and confidence to grow into a future lifeguard and community leader.

The Jr. Lifeguard, working as part of the Aquatics team, will deliver world-class customer service and relationship building skills to create a welcoming environment at the YMCA. The Jr. Lifeguard will be responsible for assisting in guarding the pool and assuring a safe and clean aquatic environment for members and guests. The incumbent will also exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all aspects of their work with the YMCA. 

OUR PATH

For 150 years, the YMCA of Metro Denver has been more than a place - it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all.  Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together.  Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement we will elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Always maintain pool safety; guard using YMCA approved techniques and procedures including dismissing participants for disruptive behaviors  
• Perform chemical checks as indicated  
• Wear protective gear when handling biohazard materials  
• Proactively clean up and/or repair areas used by the program  
• Report all accidents and incidents to supervisor immediately using proper forms  
• Remain current on Lifeguard Certification, CPR Pro, First Aid and other safety certification training  
• Educate participants on pool rules and enforce rules as required 
• Be knowledgeable and supportive of the YMCA annual support campaign, and general procedures and policies, including personnel guidelines, facility access procedures, membership policies, and emergency plans  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger to handle or feel objects, tools, controls, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear  
• Exposed to wet and humid conditions, outdoor weather conditions including direct UV sun rays, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and potentially explosive materials   
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50-100 pounds  
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and focus  

DISCLAIMER

• The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver reserves the right to modify, add, or remove job duties and responsibilities as business needs evolve.
•  This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position.
•  Employment with the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

• The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

YMCA CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION & RISK MANAGEMENT

The YMCA is committed to the safety and well-being of all children and vulnerable individuals. As part of our commitment to child abuse prevention and Praesidium accreditation standards, all employees are required to comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, including screening, training, supervision, and reporting requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 15 years old
• Strong swimmer (swim assessment required)
• Responsible, attentive, and eager to learn
• Comfortable following safety protocols and supervision standards
• Ability to work limited, age-appropriate hours in accordance with Colorado youth employment guidelines
• CPR-PR/AED, Oxygen Administration, and Standard First Aid or ability to obtain before hire  
• American Red Cross/YMCA Lifeguard certification or ability to obtain before hire  

BENEFITS

• Free individual membership 
• Program discounts
• Generous Retirement Contribution Options -Includes company contribution of 10% once eligibility is met
• Employee Assistance Program
• Accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked
• Paid Time off for those scheduled and working 20+ per week