Lifeguard

Lifeguard

Embark on a Journey of Impactful Adventure

The lifeguard is responsible for the guarding and safety of members and program participants within all aquatic facilities. This role will be responsible for carrying out and enforcing aquatic policies and procedures in compliance with statues as described by the State of Pennsylvania, the YMCA of the USA, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, lifeguard licensing agency Ellis and Associates, and YMCA insurance representative.

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) was named a 2025 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for a second consecutive year. An association of nine YMCAs serving Chester County, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility through life-changing programs for all.

Perks & Benefits

• Free family YMCA membership, including outdoor pools
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid holidays and plentiful PTO for full-time employees
• Babysitting while you work (up to 4 hours per day)
• Generous program discounts on childcare, camp, youth sports, swimming lessons and more!
• 12% employer contribution to retirement savings upon reaching eligibility and optional 403B retirement savings plan upon hire.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education reimbursement, tuition discounts with Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata University
• Career development and paid training
• Unlimited referral bonus beginning at $300.00

What You'll Do

• ACTIVELY scanning the assigned zone of coverage every 10 seconds and getting to the farthest point within another 20 seconds.
• Each rotation lifeguard should perform a profound bottom scan of their zones as they rotate in and rotate out.
• Position self so that glare, building components, or floating play structures do not compromise the view of the pool bottom of the entire area of responsibility.
• Guard from one of two positions: (1) in an elevated chair at the edge of the pool OR (2) standing or patrolling within one foot from pool edge at all times.
• Change body position every five minutes in accordance with Jeff Ellis & Associates "5 Minute Strategy" Standards.
• Never leave the pool deck unguarded for any reason.
• Be "Rescue Ready" (feet flat, fanny pack, rescue tube in front of or on side of body at all times with slack being carried in your hand and whistle) at any time.
• Actively participate in all in-house required drills, including mock drills and monthly in-house trainings. Respond to all drills as if they were live situations.
• Close the pool if conditions are unsafe and alert a supervisor immediately. Follow the Association Thunder and Lightning Policy.
• Act professionally and responsibly when communicating with members.
• Follow association guidelines to swim test and mark all children aged 14 and under in accordance with association protocols.
• Consistently and always enforce all pool rules with courtesy and fairness.
• Assist with maintaining a clean facility by following the down duties for each branch and/or any other responsibilities while on rotation away from actively lifeguarding.
• Abide by the following expectations: Lifeguards are expected to scan in one zone for no more than 30 minutes. Lifeguards will rotate zones at least every 30 minutes and will have a 15 min break after working 4 hours. During the 4 hours lifeguards are working they will have breaks from scanning that may include but are not limited to: administering swim tests, putting away equipment, cleaning the pool area, checking locker rooms, administering first aid, and engaging with members. At no point, during this four-hour period, should lifeguards be using a cell phone for any reason.
• Refrain from cell phone use and smart watches while actively lifeguarding.
• Ensure compliance with all YGBW policies and standard operating procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

What You'll Need

• Must be 15 years of age or older
• Current lifeguarding certification from Ellis & Associates or transferred Ellis & Assoc. lifeguard certification
• Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, AED, and Blood borne Pathogens
• Complete required monthly in-service hours of Ellis & Associates in-service training and scanning skills,
• Obtain and maintain all additional new hire certifications and trainings within 90 days of hire

Work Conditions 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Why You Need To Apply

Not meeting every single requirement? That's perfectly okay! Research shows that women and marginalized groups are often hesitant to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications. If you're excited about this role, don't let a few mismatches in your experience hold you back. We want to see your application! You could be exactly what we're looking for!