CAMP EVERGREEN HEAD LIFEGUARD

Job Title: Head Lifeguard

Reports To: Associate Executive Director

Work Location: Camp Evergreen

FLSA: Non-exempt – Summer Temporary

Salary: Seasonal Salary $4700; Training $15.50/hour

A Career with a Cause :

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and grow. 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 are nurturing: we support you in 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.

Our purpose is to strengthen the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We are committed to these causes because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values. Historically founded on the Christian principles of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility; our mission is to put these principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

We are for ALL.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Statement | YMCA OF CENTRAL NEW YORK (ymcacny.org)

Position Summary:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the Associate Executive Director, the Head Lifeguard is responsible for maintaining the highest level of safety and swimming conditions for all campers in the pool/lake front, deck and surrounding areas; first, ensuring all guards are preventing accidents and second, by ensuring guards responding to an emergency quickly and efficiently. The Head Lifeguard is responsible for member satisfaction and retention for all guards working during their assigned shift. To achieve patron safety the Head Lifeguard must provide exceptional supervision of guards, accident prevention through safety checks, rule enforcement, and proper guarding techniques, and emergency management including proper water rescue, CPR, and first aid procedures. The Head Lifeguard must oversee structured swim by supporting the counselor’s implementation of it. The Head Lifeguard must assure safety by constantly the guard’s ability to monitoring the pool using constant scanning techniques to achieve a 10x10 reaction time. The Head Lifeguard assures the well-being for each participant in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training .

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary Range: $4700.00/season, Seasonal, non-exempt

• YMCA Membership

• YMCA Aquatic Department Quality Service Theme:

We make a positive difference in people's lives by providing a quality aquatic experience for all.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for the overall operation, instruction, and safety at the camp waterfront/pool.

• Responsible for supervision of lifeguards and counselor staff during structured swim time, free swim, boating, canoeing, fishing and maintenance/upkeep of the waterfront/pool area.

• Implement and enforce the buddy system.

• Assist Aquatic Director in ensuring continuous compliance with all pool and waterfront regulations as outlined by the NYS Department of Health.

• Assist staff in age appropriate behavior management of campers.

• Assist in structured swim time, special day activities, lunch monitoring, and after hours swim as needed.

• Responsible for attending all Pre-camp Training and weekly meetings.

• To be responsible for working with and assisting with the supervision of any CIT assigned to you. To provide weekly positive feedback and constructive criticism to the Program Director in the form of an evaluation form.

• Handle any and all discipline problems in a consistent manner as they occur. Seek advice from Aquatics Director, Program Director, Assistant Camp Director, or Camp Director as needed.

• Be responsible for basic supply inventory and notifying the Camp Director of any needs that may arise.

• To be available after camp hours on the last day of the season and participate in the close up of camp.

• Assist in special activity days, end of day sign out of campers, family nights and overnights as needed.

• Instruct campers of safe operation of all boating equipment, proper care and storage of equipment and instruction/supervision of counselor staff for assistance during the camp season.

• Instruct swim lessons as assigned in accordance with YMCA guidelines in a professional, courteous, manner and eliminate unsafe practices and hazards.

• Set-up, organize and clean-up all class materials, report any damaged equipment to supervisor.

• At all times, maintain physical presence with class and remain aware of pool surroundings and patrons in the pool

• Maintain cleanliness of facility.

• Know, follow, and enforce all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.

• All other duties, as assigned by Supervisor.

Follow NYS Health Department Bather Code:

• Never leave the pool/ lake front unattended.

• Always be positioned in appropriate space – opposite side and spread out.

• Never perform personal functions while on duty: phone calls, writing, reading, swimming, talking to friends, over talking with other guards, sleeping, etc. Remember you are here to work. At any time there is no one in the pool, clean the pool environment or straighten up the equipment.

• Maintain current certifications.

• Required onboarding and monthly in-service trainings, to include a minimum 300 yard swim and perform a rescue.

Maintain a safe environment:

• Maintain safe swimming conditions in the pool, lake and on deck. Prevents accidents by maintaining constant observation of the pool area, enforcing health and safety rules and maintaining emergency readiness.

• Respond to incidents, accidents and emergencies appropriately, in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures and in a calm and professional manner.

• Protect the organization and patrons from harm or suit.

• Walk around the deck or if applicable rotate with other guards every 15 minutes.

• Follow pool rules on and off duty.

• Frequently familiarize yourself with certifying agency’s text and your Aquatic Manual.

• Administer proper first aid in accordance with training and facility procedures.

Maintain a pleasant and professional aquatic environment:

• Wear a uniform consisting of: staff shirt, one piece bathing suit, whistle, fanny pack, staff ID, pocket mask, and rescue tube and have rescue equipment on and ready for rescue at all times.

• Dispose of all materials (trash, hair, etc.) found on the pool floor.

• Keep the pool deck clear of toys (barbells, noodles, etc.).

• Maintains effective relationships with members, participants and other staff, develops rapport with campers and parents.

• Greet every member and/or patron with a smile and a friendly “Hello.”

• Attempt to get to know members in friendly and professional manner.

• Arrive on deck 15 minutes before your shift.

• Record and report any faulty equipment and/or lapse in maintenance to Camp management.

• Report emergency maintenance needs immediately to Camp management.

• Be familiar with all information and answer questions about programs, schedules, policies or direct patrons to Camp management.

• Depending on the pool, prepare pool for incoming programs.

• Work with fellow staff members and treat them with respect.

Maintain Records:

• Record all incidents and accidents immediately after situation has been resolved and you will not be distracted from guarding the pool (report emergencies immediately to Camp management).

• Properly test and record chlorine in pool at the appropriate time.

• Complete Incident Reports timely and legibly.

Supervision:

• Supervise lifeguard staff ensuring they are always following all safety and policy regulations.

• Orient and train lifeguard staff, ensuring they are familiar with safety and policy regulations.

• Assist in the scheduling of staff and finding coverage for subs.

• Ensure that guards on during your shift follow all the required duties.

• Ensuring, in accordance with all guards job description, they following NYS Health Department bather codes, maintaining a safe, pleasant and professional aquatic environment.

Other Duties:

• Perform maintenance and cleaning procedures as required by Camp management.

• Perform other duties needed done by the Aquatic management.

• Take initiative to perform the job to the best of your ability.

• Help other staff out by sub hours for them if available.

• Communicate clearly with staff and Aquatic management.

• Attend all mandatory camp meetings and trainings.

• Cover all shifts; when unable to cover a shift, an approved substitute must be found.

• If applicable complete monthly CSE’s continuing skills evaluations.

Experience, Education and Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must have 3 years of guarding experience or demonstrated qualities and skills that exceed that of normal guard’s expectations for at least 1 year.

• Must be people oriented and possess good communication skills.

• Effective communication skills necessary to inform, counsel, motivate and support members.

• Must be observant, safety conscious and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.

• Knowledge of safe and proper techniques.

• Able to work flexible schedules.

• Always be professional, alert, courteous and diplomat.

Trainings & Certifications:

• Must attend and complete YMCA Child Abuse Prevention and other related training at Camp Evergreen Orientation.

• Must hold and maintain current lifeguard certification.

• Must hold and maintain current CPR, AED, first aid, and oxygen administration (opportunities provided).

• Must be able to obtain YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (YSI) training

• Must obtain Waterfront Lifeguarding certification before the camp season.

• Must obtain Boating Safety Certification before the camp season.

YMCA Leadership Competencies:

• Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause

• Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence

• Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs

Physical Demands:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Prolonged periods of standing and frequent bending.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.

• Will be exposed to illness-causing bacteria and viruses

• Must have basic swim abilities which include: swim at least 4 lengths of the pool (100 yards) and tread water for a minimum of 3 minutes.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a recreational and/or educational environment. This role routinely uses standard recreation and/or office equipment. At times, employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, communicable infectious diseases, and risk of injury from others. All employees are required to always follow the preventative health policies of the YMCA. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.