LIFEGUARD

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:
Dive into an exciting role where you’ll make a splash every day! As a Lifeguard, you'll be the ultimate protector of fun, ensuring everyone enjoys the water safely in our vibrant aquatics center. Whether you’re stationed at the pool or chatting with members, you’ll be the first responder, safety enforcer, and maybe even a swim coach in the making! This job is perfect for strong swimmers who love the water and want to make a difference while having a great time.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Rescue Ready: Monitor swimmers with hawk-like vigilance and be prepared to dive in at a moment’s notice.
• Monitor Aquatic Areas: Maintain constant vigilance over swimming pools and surrounding areas to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all patrons.
• Emergency Response: Act quickly and effectively in emergencies, performing water rescues, administering CPR, and providing first aid as needed.
• Enforce Safety Rules: Politely but firmly enforce facility rules and regulations to prevent unsafe behavior and ensure a safe environment for all.
• First Aid Guru: Administer basic first aid and CPR as needed (don’t worry, we’ll train you to be a hero).
• Customer Service Pro: Greet guests with a smile, answer their questions, and help make their day by the water enjoyable. Greet and interact with guests, answer questions, and assist with any needs to ensure a positive experience at the facility.
• Swim Instructor (Bonus Fun & Pay!): Teach kids and adults alike how to swim, turning them into confident water enthusiasts.
• Team Player: Work with a fun-loving, supportive team to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all guests.
• Conduct Safety Checks: Regularly inspect rescue equipment, pool facilities, and water conditions to ensure proper working order.
• Assist with Facility Maintenance: Help maintain the cleanliness and organization of the pool area, including tidying up pool decks, arranging chairs, and ensuring the facility is safe and presentable.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of pool attendance, water quality, and any incidents or rescues that occur during your shift.
• Continuous Training: Participate in regular training sessions to keep skills sharp and up-to-date with the latest safety protocols.

OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our purpose of strengthening communities with intention and purpose every day. We welcome all: we are open to everyone. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We nurture: we support you on your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

YMCA PART-TIME BENEFITS OVERVIEW: At the YMCA, we invest in our people so they can better serve our communities. Our part-time employees enjoy a supportive, inclusive work environment with valuable benefits that reflect our mission and core values. 

• Complimentary YMCA Membership
• Flexible Scheduling
• Professional Development
• Retirement Benefits
• Employee Resource Groups

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.

The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.

The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certified Lifeguard: Must have current lifeguard certification (we can guide you on how to get one if you don’t).
• CPR and First Aid Certified: Knowing how to handle emergencies is key.
• Strong Swimmer: You’re not just good at swimming—you’re a pro!
• Friendly and Approachable: You know how to keep things safe while ensuring everyone has a great time.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Possess sufficient strength, mobility, and agility to perform essential maintenance duties safely. 
• Set up and use ladders and elevated platforms at heights of up to 30 feet. 
• Regularly reach overhead, bend, crouch, kneel, twist, shovel, carry materials, and work while lying on the stomach or back. 
• Work in narrow or confined spaces and at underground, overhead, and ground levels. 
• Paint, clean equipment, and safely operate motorized tools and equipment as required. 
• Work in environments that may involve dirt, dust, fumes, and varying indoor or outdoor conditions. 
• Safely handle paint, cleaning equipment, chemical compounds, solvents, cleaners, and solutions in dry, liquid, powder, spray, or aerosol forms. 
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow all established safety procedures.

YMCA SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
CPR & First Aid – Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives.

Emergency Response – Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures.

Incident Management – Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors.

Safe Environment – Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants.

Physical Readiness – Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities.

Compliance – Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources.

Job Title: Lifeguard

FLSA Status: Non - Exempt

Job Type: Part Time
Pay Rate: $13.72 -  $17.14 / Hour
Revision Date: 9/17/2026

Equal Opportunity Employer: The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.