Lifeguard

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Director of Aquatics, the lifeguard is responsible for providing and maintaining a safe pool environment for all members and participants. This requires both proactive actions that will prevent accidents as well as appropriate reactive actions should an incident take place.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintains active surveillance of the pool area.
2. Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures; completes related reports as required.
3. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.
4. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
5. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
6. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.
7. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
8. Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving and reports findings to their supervisor.
9. Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.
10. Complete a monthly 300 yard swim.
11. Attend & participate in required meetings and training sessions.
12. Responsible for keeping all required certifications current. Be able to demonstrate all certification skills at any time.
13. Communicate regularly with supervisor regarding incidents, equipment malfunctions, etc.
14. Respond to department updates appropriately and within the designated time frame.
15. Completing various cleaning duties including, but not limited to, vacuuming, disinfecting, rinsing the pool deck, etc.
16. Additional training must be completed as required by the YMCA, State and/or Federal Government.
17. All other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Minimum of YMCA Lifeguarding or American Red Cross Lifeguarding is required.
2. American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid required.
3. Current certifications must be maintained and are the responsibility of the staff member. Re-certifications will be offered periodically.
4. Child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
5. At least 16 years of age.

TRAINING:

Upon hire, lifeguards will receive a full orientation to the Wallingford YMCA Aquatics Facility. This shall include a full briefing on the Wallingford Family YMCA Emergency Action Plan, Bloodborne Pathogen policy, crisis policy, a tour of the facility to identify safety and first aid equipment and an orientation on water testing procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lifeguard's responsibilities are outlined in this job description and the Wallingford Family YMCA Aquatics Department Handbook.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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.

• Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.

Safety is the responsibility of every employee of the YMCA. Each employee is charged with adhering to the YMCA's Safety and Risk Management Program as directed by the management.

YMCA SAFETY, RISK AND ABUSE MANAGEMENTS

EMPLOYEES WHO DIRECTLY SUPERVISE YOUTH WILL:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Requirements

• At least 16 years of age
• Certified as a lifeguard by Red Cross, Y-USA, Ellis and Associates or BSA
• Certified in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent
• Certified in First Aid or equivalent
• Have reliable transportation