Description Under the direction of the Aquatic Director, Pool Manager, and/or Senior Lifeguard, the Lifeguard is responsible for providing a safe, welcoming, clean, and member/participant focused environment for all members in and around the aquatic facilities. This includes responding to emergencies and administering CPR/AED, First Aid and Oxygen effectively according to certifications. Lifeguards must be alert and identifiable at all times and keep a professional appearance. The lifeguard must work at peak efficiency in all aspects of the aquatic department as assigned and exhibit behaviors and attitudes that are consistent with the YMCA Mission and policies of the Association.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: - Practice preventative lifeguarding by following and enforcing pool rules and policies promptly, and completes a routine check of pool and deck area regularly throughout their shift
- Check, clean, and store required safety equipment and report any concerns to the Aquatic Director or designee immediately
- Responsible for securing the pool area at all times, including but not limited to: locking/unlocking doors and gates to control access to the aquatic areas
- Maintain cleanliness around aquatic facility and surrounding areas
- Monitor chemical balance of pool and records on appropriate forms. Report any concerns to the Aquatic Director or designee immediately
- Provide undistracted supervision of the pool while on duty. Demonstrate vigilant scanning, 180 degrees, every 10 seconds checking the bottom, middle and top of their zone including a downward sweep
- Follow Association policies and procedures regarding the safety, health and welfare of members, program participants, guests and staff
- Understand and perform rescues and emergency procedures, document accidents on the proper forms and communicate to the Aquatic Director or designee as outlined in the EAP in a timely manner in accordance with aquatic, facility, certification policies and requirements
- Maintain accurate record of hours worked and be responsible for finding substitutes for absences
- Engage in positive public relations with participants, members and guest ensuring a positive experience
- Adhere to the Association operating policies and procedures by operating the programs within the guidelines set forth as well as swim test procedures
- May be asked to assist a certified swim lesson instructor with class instruction as directed by the Aquatics Director or designee
- Attend and actively participate in all trainings, staff meetings/in-services and guard drills as assigned
- Perform all other duties as assigned
Safety and Risk Management - Adhere to all Federal, State, and local safety regulations, as well as all YMCA policies and procedures related to the safety, health, and welfare of members, participants, guests, and staff.
- Ensure that all Tampa YMCA standards, leading practices, and policies are implemented and consistently followed, including those related to emergency procedures, child abuse prevention, and appropriate supervision.
- Adhere to policies and procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising participants and boundaries with participants when applicable.
- Ensure implementation of and follows all training requirements including risk management and child abuse prevention training in addition to ensuring proper reporting of all incidents/accidents according to risk management procedures.
- Maintain a safe and healthy environment at all times, including performing daily safety checks of program areas, equipment, and supplies.
- Maintain proper records, including certifications, meetings and trainings.
- Maintain an emphasis on safety in all areas of responsibility as they relate to members and staff.
RequirementsEducation/Experience Required: - Must be at least 15 years of age
- If 15 years old you must work with 18+ year old lifeguard unless there is an Aquatic Director and/or Full-Time Pool Manager on site during entire shift
- Proficient in the water as determined by passing a swim test
- Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with groups and/or individuals from different backgrounds
- Represent the YMCA in a positive manner
Certifications/Trainings Required: - Must possess and maintain current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification including Oxygen. (If holding YMCA Lifeguard certification, must crossover to ARC within 60 days of employment)
- Must possess and maintain current CPR/AED (in compliance with Lifeguard certification), First Aid, and Oxygen
- May be asked to acquire additional certifications as required by the Aquatics Director or designee
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND 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 includes, but not limited to:
- The employee frequently is required to remain alert, with no lapses in consciousness
- The employee frequently is required to see, observe, and hear all participants, and make sound judgments and decisions
- Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting the voice across distances (in normal and loud situations), and communicate swiftly and effectively with lifeguards, staff, emergency personnel and members
- Ability to observe all areas of the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility, and hear noises and recognize victims in distress
- Remain in or around designated aquatic areas at all times
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move to various locations, sit and/or stand for extended periods, including in and around elevated chair
- Ability to direct and control the activities of others, to work under specific instructions, work alone and under stressful conditions
- Ability to crouch and bend at the waist and knees
- Ability to physically and mentally perform all needed rescues, removals (in and out of the water) and survival skills, including administering CPR/AED, First Aid and Oxygen effectively
- Must have flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances
- Ability to lift and move a minimum of 50 pounds
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
- Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme humidity/dampness, heat and cold
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
- This position may require availability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
