Lifeguard

About the role

The Lifeguard position at Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston maintains a safe environment, enforces all pool rules and follows all required emergency procedures. Lifeguards ensure the safety of all swimmers by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors. The individual in this role will need to be able to solve on‑the‑job issues by utilizing effective critical thinking and decision‑making skills and possess the ability to work with diverse populations. Lifeguards must be able to enforce pool and facility policies and be able to communicate effectively why policies are in place. The position reports to the Aquatics Program Manager.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining a safe environment in accordance with all safety regulations and standards
• Vigilantly observe swimmers to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards
• Know all aquatics emergency procedures and enforce all pool rules, including performing rescues in the event of accidents, using appropriate life‑saving techniques
• Administer first aid and CPR as needed, following established protocols for emergencies
• Maintain safe and clean aquatics program area, including assisting with pool maintenance and cleaning as needed
• Secure and maintain materials, equipment and other resources belonging to the aquatics program area
• Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate activities, including assistance with swim lessons for various age groups
• Assist in the supervision and discipline of campers participating in programs and services within the program area as well as throughout the clubhouse (as deemed appropriate)
• Participate in various evaluation efforts throughout each program year, including the annual member survey
• Strong verbal communication skills to effectively inform and instruct swimmers about safety practices
• Participate in collaborative programs, events and field trips with staff from other clubhouse groups, staff from other BGCB clubhouses and community organizations as appropriate
• Other related duties as specified by the Aquatics Program Manager

Requirements

• Must be 18+ years of age (Teen Associate Lifeguards 16+ must always be on duty with an adult (18+) certified lifeguard)
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid certifications
• Knowledge of youth development principles
• Ability to work with youth and families from a variety of backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience as a Lifeguard
• LGI (Lifeguard Instructor), WSI (Water Safety Instructor) and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications (must have or be willing to obtain for positions above standard Lifeguard)
• Experience supervising or supporting other guards (required for positions above standard Lifeguard)

Skills

• Strong verbal communication skills to inform and instruct swimmers about safety practices
• Critical thinking and decision‑making skills to solve on‑the‑job issues
• Ability to enforce pool and facility policies and explain why they are in place
• Collaboration and teamwork for programs, events, field trips with staff and community organizations

Pay

Salary range $22‑$27 per hour; sign‑on bonus of $500 for new lifeguards; pay for LG certification/recertification for qualified candidates/current lifeguards.

Start date: October 2026 (position open until filled). Location: Chelsea, MA (Gerald and Darelene Jordan Club).