The Lifeguard is to oversee the safety of members and program participants of the pool areas. Indoor and outdoor pool opportunities available. The Lifeguard is also responsible for informing and serving YMCA members and volunteers in a premier fashion. He or she is expected to emphasize member service, character development, the mission statement and to work with membership retention and promotion. Hiring Bonus: $150

Lifeguard Certification 

To apply for a lifeguard position, applicants should hold a current lifeguard certification from an accredited organization (ASHI, Red Cross, Ellis, etc.).  If you need certification or recertification, you may qualify for a discounted YMCA Lifeguard training. If interested in YMCA Lifeguard training, please contact our Careers Team at

• Email: Careers@KansasCityYMCA.org
• Call:  816-360-3305

Other YMCA employment benefits: 

• Receive ongoing training and recertification  
• Receive Free YMCA membership to all YMCA gyms
• Work flexible schedules
• Receive opportunities for career advancement

• Models the core values of Caring, Honest, Respect and Responsibility; implements character development and the YMCA core values in all programs and all aspects of center operations.

• Continuously scan the pool (every 10 seconds), whirlpool and sauna areas, checking for safe conditions.
• Must maintain high level of alertness at all times.
• Staff may be videotaped for safety audit purposes and ongoing training.
• Will be required to complete 2 hours of in-service training a month.
• Position may require environment changes (outdoor to indoor, humid environments).
• Will be required to participate in ongoing training that will be held during operational hours (operational mannequin drops, pool safety checks, CPR checks).
• Enforce all posted rules and any other rules that are required to ensure the safety of all participants.
• Must constantly watch the pool and have a rescue tube, whistle, emergency button, and supplemental oxygen barrier mask ready and available at all times, actively scanning 10 x 10. Lifeguard is not to do secondary duties in place of scanning their zone of protection.
• Make sure that the pool deck is free of clutter and perform all maintenance duties assigned by Aquatic Director.
• Test pool chemical levels and report changes to Aquatics Director immediately.
• Fill out all Y accident and incident reports completely and turn into the Aquatics Director.
• Responsible for opening and closing procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining the continuity of lap swim and moving participants accordingly.
• Must be able to be a team player with all staff.
• Must notify appropriate staff of any unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents, or injuries immediately.
• Must participate in special events within the Aquatics Department and may include events facility-wide.
• Must participate in events benefiting the Annual Mission campaign. 

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Must have a current nationally recognized Lifeguard Certification such as the following:
  
  • YMCA Lifeguard 6th ED
    
  • ARC (American Red Cross)
    
  • Starguard
    
  • Jeff Ellis and Associates (special facilities or deep water)
    
  • Boy Scouts of America
    
• Must have current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen from one of the following organizations.
  
  • American Health and Safety Institute
    
  • Emergency Care and Safety Institute
    
  • American Red Cross
• Able to pass a physical competency consisting of the following:
  • Tread water for 2 minutes.
  • Swim 250 yards without stopping using a variety of specific strokes.
  • Swim to the bottom of a 9-12 foot pool.
  • Sprint 25 yards, retrieve an object from the bottom of the pool, tread water with the object for 1 minute, climb out of the pool without using a ladder or other assistance.
  • Perform 100 chest compressions on a mannequin.
• Perform pass and rescue skills.
• Able to work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner.
• Sensitivity to individuals representing a variety of family, cultural, and socio-economic
  backgrounds.