Lifeguard at Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA IN – Ocean Springs, Mississippi

POSITION SUMMARY. Maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas.

Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and promotes safety in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Builds positive relationships with members and program participants through effective listening and verbal skills and creatively finds ways to connect them to one another and the Y community.

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:

1. Enforce pool rules, regulations, and follow protocols set out in the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA Aquatic Policy and Procedure Manual.
2. Provide consistent surveillance of the pool area using the 10:20 rule of scanning.
3. Prevent non-swimmers from entering deep water or moving into a high-risk area.
4. Communicate effectively with others immediately when responding to an emergency.
5. Maintain the 1:25 ratio of guard to patron policy.
6. Wear proper uniform including YMCA T-shirt, shorts, swimsuit, rescue tube, whistle, and breathing mask.
7. Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Completes related incident reports as required.
8. Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants, and other staff
9. Positively communicate information to members on other YMCA programs
10. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area
11. Attends all staff meetings and training as required
12. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA
13. Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed
14. Completes the Pool Opening and Closing Checklist whenever on duty
15. Performs chemical testing at appropriate times of the day, as required, and takes appropriate action
16. Maintains cleanliness of the facility including pool, grounds, equipment/guard room, concessions and bathrooms.
17. Arrive to work at least 15 minutes before scheduled shift. If unable to work scheduled shift, find a sub and notify Aquatics Director in advance of scheduled shift.
18. Routinely checks pool and rescue equipment and promptly reports any problems
19. Sets up and stores equipment for recreational swim, group classes or pool parties
20. Create a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and professional, alert, courteous, and always tactful
21. Perform other duties as required

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 diverse 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. Minimum age of 15.
2. Certifications: Current Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification.
3. Child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
4. Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
5. Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with the YMCA standards.
6. YMCA Leader Certification within 6 months of hire date.

A 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.
• Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.