Lifeguard

Be the reason someone feels safe in the water. As a YMCA Lifeguard, you’ll protect swimmers, prevent accidents, and create a positive, welcoming space for members and visitors.  Don’t have certification yet? No problem — we provide free training and lifeguard certification!*

No Experience Required

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. 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.

*Candidates who are not certified may be hired at at a $15.00 training rate then increased after becoming certified.

• →Maintains active surveillance of the pool area.
• →Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures; completes related reports as required.
• →Know how to prevent and handle emergencies in entry-level shallow water of six feet or less
• →Maintains effective and positive relationships with the members, participants, and other staff.
• →Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
• →Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• →Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code.
• →Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
• →Check the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
• →Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.
• →Attends all staff meetings and in-service training.
• →Responsible for appropriate child-adult ratios and group sizes.
• →Assists in maintaining cleanliness of deck and locker rooms.
• →Responsible for opening and closing procedures and securing doors.
• →Report to duty 10 minutes before shift and secure a substitute if necessary and with proper notification.
• →Knows how to prevent and handle emergencies at all water depths of the facility.

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Able to work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner.
• National CPR, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and Lifeguard certification.  Don’t have certification yet? No problem — we provide free training and certification!
• Able to pass a physical competency consisting of the following:
• Swim-Tread-Swim Sequence (without stopping to rest) 
• Jump into the water and totally submerge, resurface then swim 150 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both. (Swimming on the back or side is not permitted. Swim goggles are allowed)
• Maintain position at the surface of the water for 2 minutes by treading water using only the legs 
• Swim 50 yards using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both 
• Timed Event
• Must be completed in 1 minute and 40 seconds.
• Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
• Surface dive (feet-first or head-first) to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
• Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, holding the object at the surface with both hands and keeping the face at or near the surface.
• Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.