Lifeguard Lead bei St Cloud Area Family YMCA

Description

The Lifeguard Lead is responsible for ensuring the safety, well- being and enjoyment of the aquatic center for all patrons in the pool area while on duty; this includes pool deck observations as well as patrons in the water. This position includes leading by example, providing support to other lifeguards, assisting with staff training and promoting YMCA water safety initiatives. The Lifeguard Lead must work effectively with the Lifeguard Coordinator and the Aquatics Director to ensure department goals and policies are met.

At the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, we are united in a sincere desire to live out our great Mission. To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Together, we pledge to do this daily, in our actions and interactions, with staff, members and guests of the YMCA, by serving, caring, and loving. To serve is to meet physical needs through our facility, programs, and responsive actions to questions or requests. To care is to meet emotional needs by engaging in genuine conversation, listening with intention, and developing relationships. To love is to provide opportunities for connection and service by keeping the Y a safe and welcoming place for all.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Supervise lifeguard team members and ensure adherence to all safety protocols and policies.
• Lead daily briefings with lifeguard staff to ensure smooth operations and clear communication.
• Monitor swimming areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
• Respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, including administering first aid, CPR, and water rescues as needed.
• Conduct regular safety checks of pool areas, equipment, and safety procedures.
• Assist with training and certification processes for new lifeguards and staff.
• Maintain accurate documentation of incidents, staff attendance, and pool conditions.
• Assist with scheduling and assigning lifeguard shifts to ensure appropriate coverage when needed.
• Provide excellent customer service by addressing concerns and questions from members and guests.
• Ensure lifeguards are equipped with necessary safety gear and equipment.
• Enforce all YMCA policies, rules, and regulations in a fair and consistent manner.
• Conduct regular safety drills to keep staff prepared for emergencies.
• Collaborate with the YMCA management team to continuously improve safety practices and procedures.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors’ communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change, models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. 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.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Current Lifeguard Certification (YMCA, Red Cross, or equivalent) required.
• CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certification required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Minimum of 2 years of lifeguarding experience, with at least 1 year in a leadership role preferred. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in emergency situations.
• Effective communication, customer service, and a positive attitude.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee may encounter and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Work may be performed in a climate-controlled environment, with occasional exposure to varying temperatures, especially in high-activity areas.
• The work environment can be noisy, with sounds of pool activity and swimmers.
• Exposure to pool chemicals, such as chlorine, is common. 
• Temperatures are controlled indoors, but may be humid due to the nature of the pool environment. 
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device. The employee frequently is required to sit, reach and must be able to move around the work environment. 
• Ability to lift and carry (up to 100lbs) in emergencies, as well as lifting and moving rescue equipment and first aid supplies.  
• Ability to remain in a stationary position; ability to position self to perform demonstrations of physical techniques. 
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time while monitoring the pool area or other water zones.
• Capable of swimming long distances, including fast swims in rescue situations. Ability to perform water rescues and assist individuals in distress.
• Must be able to bend, kneel, crouch, or reach in various positions to assist swimmers, provide first aid, or perform rescues. 
• Ability to climb ladders, steps, or lifeguard towers to maintain a clear view of the water. 
• Strong visual acuity to spot distressed swimmers from a distance.
• Must have good hearing to respond quickly to whistles, shouts for help, or emergency situations. 
• Must have the stamina to remain alert during extended shifts.

Job Functions: Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities you may be required to perform. The omission of specific descriptions of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or can be considered essential to this position. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Acknowledgement: I have read and understand this job description and fully understand the requirements set forth herein. I agree to abide by the requirements set forth and to perform all duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability. I understand that my employment is at-will and that this job description does not constitute as an employment contract.