Head Lifeguard

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Head Lifeguard assures the safety of all aquatic participants in and around the pool area, maintains a safe pool environment, and supervises all other lifeguards. In the absence of the Aquatic Director or Assistant Aquatics Director, the Head Lifeguard supervises all functions in the pool area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Practice preventative life guarding, maintaining constant surveillance of pool area.
2. Ensure quality performance of all aquatics staff.
3. Responsible for supervision of all aquatics programs and operations in absence of Aquatics Management Team.
4. Ensure substitutes are secured as needed.
5. Enforce pool rules and policies.
6. While Lifeguarding, refrain from other duties, such as testing chemicals, storing equipment, etc. while actively guarding. Additional duties would be completed prior to or after actively guarding or during a shift rotation when you have a short break from actively guarding.
7. Keep pool area clean and orderly, monitor locker rooms.
8. Support and follow YMCA policies and decisions and answer memberquestions about the YMCA and its programs.
9. Maintain all aquatic equipment by ensuring proper use and storage.
10. Test pool water temperature and chemical levels daily, reporting any concerns to a supervisor.
11. Check rescue equipment and first aid supplies daily.
12. Immediately notify a supervisor of any broken equipment or unsafe aspects of the pool.
13. Act as a Primary Responder in case of injury, accident, or illness.
14. Be knowledgeable of emergency procedures.
15. Report injuries and complete required forms.
16. Follow proper rotations protocol.
17. Exhibit a professional attitude at all times, which includes wearing appropriate staff uniform.
18. Conduct aquatics drills as outlined by Aquatics Director.
19. Evaluate aquatics staff performance and provide feedback to staff.
20. Able to teach swim lessons based on the needs of the department.
21. All other duties as assigned.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. 18 years of age preferred and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Current Red Cross lifeguard certification
3. At least 2 years’ experience as a lifeguard
4. Proficient in swimming and safety skills
5. Must demonstrate qualities of a leader and be able to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
6. Must be observant, safety conscious and able to react calmly and quickly to an emergency.

CERTIFICATIONS:

1. Maintain Red Cross Lifeguard Certification every 2 years.
2. Bloodborne Pathogens/Child Abuse Prevention every year

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be mentally alert to dangerous situations in order to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
2. Physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aid effectively.
3. Physical mobility to properly use aquatic equipment to rescue a 200 lb. person.
4. Must be able to physically stand and sit for an extended period of time.
5. Physically able to see, hear, and communicate clearly and be able to hear noises and distress signals in aquatic environment.
6. Able to read, write and perform basic math to complete daily chemical logs.
7. Swim with proficiency and endurance for possible rescues.
8. Must be able to communicate clearly with members and staff using Listen First skills.