McGill Lifeguard at GASTON COUNTY FAMILY YMCA in Belmont, NC

POSITION SUMMARY:

Lifeguard: Provides supervision, instruction, and motivation for members and participants and in pool operations and programming. Maintains safety in the pool at all times.

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• First Responder.
• Immediate critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Administer Swim tests and record information.
• Inspects the pool operations and facility on a daily basis and report unsafe conditions to supervisor.
• Completes water chemical testing records daily.
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with members and participants; helps them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers.
• Conveys information on aquatics programs and schedules and as appropriate refers students and parents to other programs.
• Maintains records as required.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers
• Attend/complete required abuse risk management training before working with consumers and on an annual basis.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers
• Follow mandated reporting requirements
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities
• Maintain vigilance in supervising aquatic environments, including locker rooms, restrooms, and storage areas. Consistently follow safety procedures during instruction, transitions, and emergencies.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: (Leader)

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s 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

• Must be able to demonstrate professional rescuer lifeguard skills in accordance with American Red Cross or YMCA standards. If neither applies to applicants, all others must do a crossover class.
• At least 15 years of age.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist participants up to 75+ pounds in weight. At times may need to physically assist individuals being rescued from a water situation. Must be able to perform rescue responses based on situation and weight.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness by focusing and actively scanning the water while on the guard stand.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.