Lifeguard Lead

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 evening