About this position
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Head Lifeguard is responsible for maintaining safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas, and creating a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures and providing front line monitoring of the lifeguard staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Assists in all daily operations as directed by Director of Aquatics Safety.
2. Conducts and ensures proper maintenance of pools. Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance.
3. Assists Director of Aquatics Safety with all In-Service Trainings.
4. Maintains constant surveillance of the pool area.
6. Must be able to hold staff responsible and accountable for all actions, good or bad.
7. Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Completes related reports as required.
8. Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants, and other staff.
9. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
10. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the county Health Department code.
11. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
12. Performs chemical testing at appropriate times of the day, as required, and takes appropriate action if adjustments are needed.
13. Attends all staff meetings and In-Service trainings as required.
14. Provides excellent service to members, guests, and program participants in the Y.
15. Handles and resolves membership concerns and informs supervisor of unusual situations or unresolved issues.
16. Must be available during the week and weekends.
17. Helps to ensure all shifts are covered as need.
18. Assist supervisor with training of new staff on YMCA Aquatic policies and procedures.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.
YMCA PART-TIME BENEFITS OVERVIEW: At the YMCA, we invest in our people so they can better serve our communities. Our part-time employees enjoy a supportive, inclusive work environment with valuable benefits that reflect our mission and core values.
- Complimentary YMCA Membership
- Flexible Scheduling
- Professional Development
- Retirement Benefits
- Employee Resource Groups
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. 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.
The YMCA of Southeastern NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, faith, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual preference, gender identity, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies.
The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Minimum age of 18.
2. Certifications: American Red Cross Lifeguard or YMCA Lifeguard, YMCA V6 Swim Instructor, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid certification.
3. Certified Pool Operators Certification (CPO) and Lifeguard Safety Instructor (LGI) highly recommended or preferred.
5. Ability to maintain certification-level of physical and mental readiness.
6. Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. Ability to pass lifeguard water test.
2. Must be able to remain alert.
3. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
4. Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
5. Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
6. Ability to work in extreme to moderate weather conditions.
7. Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.
8. Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and
loud situations.
YMCA SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
CPR & First Aid – Must be able to complete and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid; able to assist individuals in need until professional help arrives.
Emergency Response – Ability to quickly identify emergency situations (medical, fire, environmental, etc.) and respond appropriately following established procedures.
Incident Management – Required to report all safety incidents and hazards immediately and accurately to supervisors.
Safe Environment – Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment for all staff, members, and participants.
Physical Readiness – Must be able to perform physical tasks related to safety, including assisting individuals of various ages and physical abilities.
Compliance – Follow all YMCA safety protocols, OSHA standards, and state/local regulations as applicable.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement: The YMCA provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation to complete the application process or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources.
Job Title: Head Lifeguard
FLSA Status: Non - Exempt
Job Type: Part Time
Pay Rate: $14.40 - $18.00 / Hour
Revision Date: 2/4/26
Location: Nir Family YMCA
Equal Opportunity Employer: The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.