Opening Lifeguard

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.

About the role

A Lifeguard at the Greater Waterbury YMCA creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Eliminates potential hazards, enforces rules, and promotes sanitary conditions for swimming. Establishes and maintains discipline with respect when carrying out duties.

Responsibilities

• Maintains active surveillance of the pool area.
• Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
• Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner.
• Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.
• Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
• Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
• Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.
• Arrives at work 10 minutes prior to beginning shift in proper attire: lifeguard shirt, shorts or acceptable pants, and shoes or deck sandals.
• Be Rescue Ready at all times:
  • Rescue Tube: Shoulder strap on, held across lap in chair, held when standing or walking.
  • Rescue pack: worn by lifeguard on duty.
• Do not read, do homework, or perform other outside work while on duty.
• Do not have or use a cell phone while on duty.
• Scan your area from bottom to top, striving for 10 x 10-second reaction (scan area in 10 seconds and be able to respond in 10 seconds).
• Avoid socializing while on duty; short interactions for member service are acceptable only if they don’t interfere with 10/10 scanning.
• Know the Greater Waterbury YMCA EAP (Emergency Action Plan) and your part in it; attend all staff training and maintain rescue skills and abilities.
• Administer swim tests to participants and enforce all safety rules.
• Ask anyone not following the rules to comply; if they continue, you may ask them to leave the pool area. For any problems, contact the front desk for assistance.
• Maintain accurate pool checks including chlorine count, pH, bather count, etc. Report any chlorine reading below 1.0.
• Assist members with lane assignments, such as doubling up or clearing a lane with children in it.
• All lifeguards and instructors are responsible for finding their own coverage; a substitution form should be filled out and posted two weeks ahead of time.
• Perform pool cleaning at the end of every shift; ensure no trash is left on the bleachers or pool deck.
• Conduct yourself in a professional manner while at work.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 18.
• Certifications: CPR professional rescuer certification, first aid, and emergency oxygen administration.
• Current YMCA Lifeguard or ARC Deep Water lifeguard certification.
• Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Ability to perform activities that require sustained attention and concentration.
• Show leadership, maturity, self-control, and be a positive role model.