Pioneer Trails Camp Lifeguard

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Exciting Growth Ahead! We're excited to announce that we'll be opening our new West Essex YMCA in December 2026! As we get closer to our opening date, we'll be adding a variety of new positions across multiple departments. If you don't see the right opportunity today, be sure to check back regularly—new roles will be posted throughout the year as we continue to grow. We look forward to welcoming new team members to our expanding organization!

POSITION SUMMARY:

Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. Creates a safe and

positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA

policies and procedures.

Requirements:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Be identifiable with YMCA Lifeguard shirt, whistle, swimsuit and has the rescue tube with them. The Rescue tube must be properly worn, with the strap on the shoulder and holding it in front of the body.
2. Actively apply and enforce all pool rules and proactively address members to maintain a safe environment.
3. Knows, understands, and consistently apply safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
4. Maintain constant surveillance of the pool area. This includes standing at the edge of the pool or using the elevated lifeguard chair, actively looking at the water and swimmers, staying alert and scanning from one end of the pool to the other by moving their head side to side every 10 seconds.
5. Must sit in an alert position and does not lean or recline in a resting position while on duty.
6. Minimize all distractions that may interfere with effective scanning, such as not engaging in extended conversations with other staff or members.
7. Must be skilled in observing the behavior of swimmers in the water and be ready at all times to stop dangerous behavior.
8. Move to another area when multiple lifeguards are on duty to ensure appropriate zone coverage of the pool.
9. Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and respond to emergency situations immediately in accordance with emergency action plan and provide first aid care when needed.
10. Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
11. Perform equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
12. Check the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving and throughout shift.
13. Attend all staff meetings and training as required.

Other Duties/Expectations:

1. Be 5-10 minutes early to every shift and record time worked correctly with limited mistakes.
2. Must find coverage if unable to attend a shift. Contact must be made ahead of time if a scheduled shift cannot be worked.
3. Flexibility, may be asked to substitute for other employee’s shift or work beyond assigned shift in an effort to ensure safety and proper coverage.
4. Mandatory attendance for in-services and rescue drills. In-Service meeting will be scheduled in advance. Rescue drills may or may not be scheduled without prior notice.
5. Responsible for cleaning pool area, including potentially fecal matter or vomit.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Certifications: Current Lifeguard, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid certification as required by the NJ State Bathing Code.
2. Acceptable Lifeguard Certification may be from YMCA or American Red Cross
3. Acceptable CPR may be from American Heart Association CPR/AED or American Red Cross CPR/AED
4. Acceptable FA Certification may be from American Red Cross FA or National Safety Council
5. Oxygen Administration certification from American Red Cross preferred
6. Ability to maintain certification-level of physical and mental readiness.
7. Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.

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:

1. High school student or equivalent.
2. Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting, with a minimum of two previous camp seasons as a Counselor.
3. Interest preferred in one or more of the following areas: outdoor living, archery, boating, camping, songs/music, skits, sports, aquatics, recreational games, etc.
4. At least 18 years of age.
5. Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

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.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.