The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is not only the premiere non-profit in LA, it's also a great place to work, make a difference in your community and meet like-minded individuals. The LA area is home to the second largest YMCA Association in the US, with 26 branches, 2 camps and over 50 child care sites. The LA Y is a highly-collaborative, rewarding and fun environment where you will discover your passions, grow your career and make an impact!

We believe in the four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and understand that our staff are our biggest asset! We strive to create high-performing, strong teams in each of our branches and are looking for passionate and enthusiastic staff who will help us to strengthen our impact, empower our community and deliver incredible programming!

Position Description

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.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18.
• Current YMCA Lifeguarding, American Safety & Health Institute or American Red Cross or American Heart Association BLS for the Professional Rescuer, Standard/Community First Aid certifications and Emergency Oxygen Administration (Certified American Red Cross Lifeguards must obtain YMCA Lifeguarding Certification within 90 days of hire).

• 1-2 years lifeguard experience preferred

• Ability to maintain required certification; Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide continuous, uninterrupted scanning of pool and aquatic area.
• Follow Minimum Standards of Safety for Aquatic Activities 7.301. Understand and consistently enforce safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
• Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available as needed.
• Use problem solving skills to make quick decisions, instruct, evaluate, supervise, and recognize the potential for danger or injury.
• Maintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants and other staff.
• Review all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Complete related reports as required.
• Maintain accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state Health Department code.
• Play an active role in continuing to identify ways to improve safety standards.
• Continuously monitor aquatic area for hazardous or unsafe conditions. Immediately report all hazardous or unsafe conditions to management and takes appropriate action.  
• Successfully complete and pass periodic aquatic safety assessments.
• Sustain and demonstrate the listed physical demands below:

Ability to perform the following:

Tread water for 2 minutes (legs only)

Swim 250 yards of front crawl

Swim 50 yards of each:

Front crawl with the head up

Breaststroke

Breaststroke with the head up

Elementary backstroke kick with hands on the chest

Perform a feet-first surface-dive in 8 to 10 feet of water (if branch facility accommodates). Then swim underwater for 15 feet.

Starting in the shallow end of the water, sprint for a distance of approximately 60 feet then perform an arm-over-arm surface dive in 8 to 10 feet (if branch facility accommodates).

Pick up an object (dive ring) from the bottom of pool, surface and tread water for at least one minute with legs only, replace the object back to the bottom of the pool where it was found.

Swim the remaining length to end of pool, and hoist yourself out of water.

Immediately begin CPR on an adult manikin for 2 minutes, stand and listen to directions from instructor.

• Sit for extended periods of time in an elevated chair. Must remain alert and focused on the entire zone of responsibility for extended periods of time, even under conditions of high heat and humidity, with no lapses in consciousness. Move safely to various locations, including entering and exiting an elevated chair, while scanning the zone of responsibility.
• Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals. Must understand that significant background noise exists in all indoor and outdoor aquatic environments.
• Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue. Communicate with others immediately when responding to an incident or an emergency. Must be able to communicate verbally, including projecting their voice across distances; communicate swiftly and clearly with emergency personnel over the telephone and or in person; and effectively give and receive directions.
• Perform all rescue, resuscitation, and survival skills.
• Act swiftly in an emergency and take action even when unsure whether a person is really in danger.