Aquatics & Safety - Lifeguard

Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

POSITION SUMMARY: Maintains safe swimming conditions in their area of responsibility and being readily available while on shift. The lifeguard is responsible for responding to any level of incident or emergency around the pool areas and the facility maintaining YMCA and Ellis and Associates Standards. The lifeguard is responsible for maintaining communication and relationships with other staff/ members/ guests while enforcing our established rules in a fair and polite manner and completing any other tasks assigned by the Aquatics Director, Aquatics Coordinator.

The Lifeguard is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of guests by guarding their zone of protection. Lifeguards will report to the Aquatics Director, Aquatics Coordinator, Head Lifeguard, other facility Directors or Managers on Duty. Furthermore creating a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains active surveillance of the pool area. Scan to see entire area of protection every 10 seconds 
• Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures. Observance of the 10/20 rule. Completes related reports as required.
• Maintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants and other staff.
• Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state Health Department code.
• Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
• Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
• Performs chemical testing when not guarding , as required, and takes appropriate action.
• Attends all staff meetings and in-service training. 
• Participate in VAT (vigilance awareness training) as directed by Aquatics Direction, YMCA and Ellis and Associates.   
• Assist with various camps and programs as assigned.
• Perform various opening and closing duties as described on the daily to do list.
• Perform various maintenance duties as directed to maintain a clean and safe facility. 
• Vacuum pool bottom, empty skimmer baskets, skim the surface of the pools; prepare pool surroundings for daily use including but not limited to straightening tables, chairs, pool equipment and offices and dispose of trash and debris. 
• Maintain amenities and cleanliness of the changing rooms and bathrooms. Maintain guard shack and storage areas as needed. 
• Keep Aquatics Coordinator or Director informed of any problems arising with patrons, other staff or the facility.
• Arrive at least 5 minutes (able to clock in up to 6 minutes) before shift starts. Be able to be stand ready and on stand at the start of your shift
• Do not read or use phone (including airpods, and smart watch) while on stand or other than on break.
• While off stand but not on break be readily available and look approachable to assist members, enforce rules and assist guard on stand. 
• Wear a proper lifeguard uniform and address environmental concerns. Uniform includes: outer layer that identifies you as a lifeguard, polarized sunglasses (if sunny and pool gare), Fanny pack with properly inflated big easy rescue mask and gloves, whistle, hat or visor if desired. 
• Accurately report work time via approved YMCA Clocking Method: Branch Kiosk, YMCA site phone, YMCA iPad or timesheet.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 15. 
• Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid and Emergency Oxygen.  
• Current Ellis and Associates Lifeguard Certification or equivalent (must cross over to Ellis before allowed on stand).
• Ability to maintain certification-level of physical and mental readiness.
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA and Ellis and Associates standards.

Physical Demands:

1. Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility. 
2. Must be able to remain alert and with no lapses of consciousness. 
3. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time 
4. Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue. 
5. See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility. 
6. Ability to perceive, identify and respond to signs of distress. 

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. 

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For Youth Development For Healthy Living For Social Responsibility