Lifeguard

About the Role

The lifeguard position at the Baltimore Jewish Community Center (JCC) involves rescuing swimmers, monitoring pool activities to prevent accidents, teaching water safety, and providing assistance to patrons. Lifeguards also maintain order and cleanliness in the pool area, conduct swimming meets, administer first aid, and manage lost and found items. The role requires physical tasks such as accessing the lifeguard chair via ladder, cleaning the pool area, and testing water quality.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety of all swimmers during your shift and enforce pool rules.
• Perform chemical readings and maintain pool conditions according to Maryland bathing code.
• Present a positive, professional image of the JCC to members and guests, providing outstanding service.
• Participate in regularly scheduled in-service training.
• Maintain personal physical fitness and readiness to respond to emergencies.
• Assist with pool maintenance, including cleaning and testing water quality.
• Perform rescues, administer first aid, and respond to emergency scenarios as required.
• Conduct or officiate swimming meets and provide instructions to swimmers.
• Manage lost and found items such as towels, rings, watches, and apparel.

Requirements

• Current Lifeguard certification (candidates with certifications from other agencies may be considered but must cross-over to American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification within the first 90 days of employment).
• Current Certification in CPR for the Professional Rescuer (including AED) and First Aid.
• Baltimore County Pool Operator's certification preferred but not required.
• Ability to successfully complete training in Bloodborne Pathogens, handling hazardous materials (HAZMAT), Oxygen Administration, and child abuse prevention if selected.

Physical Demands

• Swim 500 meters (550 yards) continuously in under 15 minutes.
• Retrieve an object from 10 feet of water and return with it for 25 yards in under 1 minute and 30 seconds.
• Perform basic rescues required for American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification.
• Demonstrate proper CPR skills and respond appropriately to emergency scenarios.
• Identify objects at a distance of 125 feet, with or without vision correction.
• See clearly in bright light conditions (lifeguards must provide their own sunglasses).
• Remain at post for extended periods of up to three hours without a break.
• Enter the water as needed for rescues, maintenance, and other functions, and return to post even in wet clothing.
• Remove an unconscious adult from the water with assistance using appropriate methods.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to handle objects or tools, and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will stand and reach with hands and arms.

Work Environment

The work environment is typically hot and humid, with potential reduced air quality due to chloramines and ammonia compounds from pool disinfection. Noise levels are usually high. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.