
Job Overview
Employment Type
Part-time
Compensation
Hourly
Range $21.00 - $27.50
Work Schedule
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
employee discount
Job Description
The YMCA of Greater San Francisco is a renowned nonprofit organization that plays a vital role in strengthening communities through comprehensive programs centered on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a global movement and one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, the YMCA has a long-standing commitment to create environments where individuals of all ages can thrive, build connections, and contribute positively to society. The Greater San Francisco branch embodies these values by fostering strong community ties and offering diverse programs tailored to meet the varied needs of its members. The organization emphasizes inclusivity, safety, and personal growth, ensuring that every participant feels welcomed and supported. With a culture grounded in truth, courage, authenticity, accessibility, dependability, creativity, dignity, and empathy, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco stands as a beacon of hope and progress for the community it serves.
The Lifeguard position at the YMCA of Greater San Francisco is a crucial role responsible for maintaining the safety and well-being of all swimmers within the aquatic facility. This position requires constant vigilance to ensure that the pool area remains a safe and orderly environment. Lifeguards not only oversee the pool and deck areas but also manage emergency situations swiftly and effectively, providing immediate care when necessary. Working as a lifeguard means upholding the YMCA’s mission by fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere, promoting aquatic program offerings, and ensuring that members of all ages can enjoy the pool safely. The role demands a professional, enthusiastic attitude and the ability to interact positively with a diverse population of members, staff, and volunteers.
This position is part-time and offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $21.00 to $27.50, reflecting the level of responsibility and the skill required. Lifeguards are expected to be scheduled to open at least one shift per week per season, which can last up to three months. Key responsibilities include enforcing pool rules, supervising junior lifeguards and other aides, maintaining cleanliness and order in the aquatic areas, and documenting daily pool operations such as chemical levels and incident reports. Lifeguards also engage directly with members to enhance their experience by promoting programs and ensuring a welcoming environment. The role may require working early mornings, afternoons, and weekends.
The work environment is dynamic and involves both indoor and occasional outdoor settings, requiring physical endurance for standing, walking, swimming, and performing rescues. Lifeguards must meet specific physical and certification requirements including American Red Cross lifeguard certification, CPR, first aid, and emergency oxygen administration. Given the physical and mental demands, the YMCA seeks candidates who are alert, responsive, and capable of managing stressful emergency scenarios with composure and professionalism. Beyond the technical skills, the lifeguard role is integral to the YMCA’s community-building mission, making it a fulfilling career choice for those passionate about safety, health, and community development.
The Lifeguard position at the YMCA of Greater San Francisco is a crucial role responsible for maintaining the safety and well-being of all swimmers within the aquatic facility. This position requires constant vigilance to ensure that the pool area remains a safe and orderly environment. Lifeguards not only oversee the pool and deck areas but also manage emergency situations swiftly and effectively, providing immediate care when necessary. Working as a lifeguard means upholding the YMCA’s mission by fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere, promoting aquatic program offerings, and ensuring that members of all ages can enjoy the pool safely. The role demands a professional, enthusiastic attitude and the ability to interact positively with a diverse population of members, staff, and volunteers.
This position is part-time and offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $21.00 to $27.50, reflecting the level of responsibility and the skill required. Lifeguards are expected to be scheduled to open at least one shift per week per season, which can last up to three months. Key responsibilities include enforcing pool rules, supervising junior lifeguards and other aides, maintaining cleanliness and order in the aquatic areas, and documenting daily pool operations such as chemical levels and incident reports. Lifeguards also engage directly with members to enhance their experience by promoting programs and ensuring a welcoming environment. The role may require working early mornings, afternoons, and weekends.
The work environment is dynamic and involves both indoor and occasional outdoor settings, requiring physical endurance for standing, walking, swimming, and performing rescues. Lifeguards must meet specific physical and certification requirements including American Red Cross lifeguard certification, CPR, first aid, and emergency oxygen administration. Given the physical and mental demands, the YMCA seeks candidates who are alert, responsive, and capable of managing stressful emergency scenarios with composure and professionalism. Beyond the technical skills, the lifeguard role is integral to the YMCA’s community-building mission, making it a fulfilling career choice for those passionate about safety, health, and community development.
Job Requirements
- 18 plus years or older
- Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
- Current American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO)
- Current ARC First aid certification
- Current ARC Emergency oxygen administration certification
- Meets minimal physical requirement of the job description
- 20/20 vision or corrected 20/40 vision
- Ability to hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to remain alert with no lapses of consciousness
- Availability for early mornings, afternoons, and/or weekends
- Ability to work effectively with members, staff, and volunteers
- Must be available early mornings, afternoons, and/or weekends
Job Qualifications
- 18 plus years or older
- Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
- Current American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO)
- Current ARC First aid certification
- Current ARC Emergency oxygen administration certification
- Meets minimal physical requirement of the job description
- 20/20 vision or corrected 20/40 vision
- Ability to hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to remain alert with no lapses of consciousness
- Availability for early mornings, afternoons, and/or weekends
- Ability to work effectively with members, staff, and volunteers
- Must be available early mornings, afternoons, and/or weekends
- Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other languages preferred
Job Duties
- Maintain full attention on the pool and its occupants at all times
- Enforce all pool rules consistently, including regulating lap lanes to ensure swimmers are in appropriate lanes and fostering an inclusive environment for all swimmers
- Supervise Junior Lifeguards (Lifeguard I) and new lifeguards, including volunteers and aides, while on duty
- Lead and provide guidance during emergency situations to ensure proper care, notification of emergency contacts, and activation of the branch chain of command
- Complete additional opening tasks, such as testing Emergency Response systems, ensuring proper chemistry for safe opening of swimming pools, and unlocking all doors to ensure ADA access
- Maintain the aquatics equipment and areas, including the office and supply areas, with a strong focus on cleanliness and safety
- Report any facility problems or concerns to management, including issues with rescue equipment, fitness equipment, and other pool environmental concerns
- Record chemical readings, water temperature, pool inspections, accident/incident reports, participant statistics, and other details as instructed by your supervisor
- Arrive on time for your shift, wearing the required uniform and having rescue equipment ready for use in case of an emergency or drill
- Commit to working your scheduled shifts as outlined in the scheduling policy or find substitutes unless otherwise directed by your supervisor
- Complete all required training and re-certifications in a timely manner
- Promote the YMCA’s Aquatics programming and familiarize yourself with the offerings available to members
- Utilize active listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage with members and participants and effectively manage conflicts
- Create a welcoming environment by greeting members and learning their names
Job Criteria
Experience
Entry Level (1-2 years)
Job Location
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