Aquatic Lead: Lifeguard

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Lifeguard serves as a shift-level leader, subject matter expert, and role model for the aquatics team. This position helps ensure consistent safety, emergency readiness, operational standards, and a welcoming member experience across the pool environment. Lead Lifeguards provide in-the-moment coaching, mentoring, onboarding support, and skill development for lifeguards; lead drills and clinics; complete routine safety and equipment checks; and serve as the primary point of support during assigned shifts.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides shift-level leadership for lifeguards and serves as the primary on-deck resource for safety, emergency procedures, member concerns, and operational questions during assigned shifts.

• Models excellent lifeguarding, surveillance, rescue readiness, professionalism, and YMCA service standards at all times.

• Acts as a subject matter expert in lifeguarding standards and emergency response; stays current on required certifications, protocols, and department procedures.

• Coaches and mentors lifeguards through real-time feedback, skill reinforcement, and positive leadership; escalates recurring performance, conduct, or attendance concerns to the Aquatics Director.

• Supports onboarding of new lifeguards, including orientation to deck procedures, shadowing, emergency action plans, opening/closing expectations, and department standards.

• Plans and leads regular skill clinics, drills, and in-service activities focused on rescue skills, emergency response, scanning, teamwork, and other identified development needs.

• Conducts routine pool deck and facility safety walk-throughs and confirms equipment is present, functional, appropriately stored, and ready for use.

• Tracks and communicates needs related to first aid supplies, rescue equipment, chemical testing supplies, and other aquatics equipment; reports deficiencies promptly.

• Provides coverage support for call-outs or high-need shifts and helps the Aquatics Director identify immediate coverage needs.

• Responds to incidents and emergencies according to YMCA procedures, supports effective team response, and ensures required documentation and communication are completed.

• Builds positive relationships with members and guests, responds professionally to questions or concerns, and helps create a welcoming and inclusive pool environment.

• Participates in staff meetings, trainings, and department initiatives and promotes YMCA programs and services.

• Follows organization policies and procedures regarding protecting youth from abuse and follows mandated reporting requirements.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY:

Everything we do at the YMCA is based on the ideal that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or identity, diverse abilities, age, religion, socioeconomic status or any other statuses or identities. Our work is focused on eliminating barriers to access, eliminating disparities in health, providing educational support, supporting working families, and growing our next generation of change makers for our country.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (LEADER):

Advancing Our Mission & Cause:  Engaging Community, 

Building Relationships:  Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion  

Leading Operations:  Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, Program/Project Management

Developing & Inspiring People:  Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity  

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Current YMCA-approved lifeguard certification and current CPR/AED/First Aid certifications required; other aquatics safety certifications may be required based on program standards.

• At least one year of successful lifeguarding experience; prior experience in a lead, trainer, mentor, or peer-coaching role preferred.

• Demonstrated proficiency in lifeguarding skills, emergency procedures, surveillance, and aquatic safety standards.

• Ability to coach peers with confidence, respect, and professionalism while understanding the distinction between leadership and formal supervision.

• Strong communication, judgment, customer service, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to remain calm and provide direction during emergencies.

• Lifeguard Instructor, HSI Instructor, or similar training certification preferred; willingness to obtain instructor-level certification as assigned.

• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

• Completion of YMCA-required Child Abuse Prevention and other assigned trainings within required timelines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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

• Must be able to physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard and maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.

• Must be able to hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and throughout the assigned zone of responsibility.

• Must remain alert with no lapses of consciousness and be able to continuously observe assigned zones.

• Must be able to see and observe all sections of an assigned zone, including close and distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move quickly on wet pool decks and in aquatic environments.

• Must be able to lift, move, or assist with rescue equipment and participants as required to perform lifeguarding and emergency response duties.

• The work environment is frequently humid, noisy, and exposed to pool chemicals and wet surfaces.