Head Lifeguard (2026)

The Head Lifeguard is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the aquatics facilities, ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all guests. This role includes supervising lifeguard staff, maintaining pool safety and cleanliness standards, enforcing YMCA and state regulations, and providing outstanding customer service. The Head Lifeguard also assists with scheduling, training, and supporting aquatics team members to foster a positive, mission-driven, and team-oriented atmosphere.

OUR CULTURE: 
We firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff, and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. YMCA of the Rockies staff are key players in helping cultivate an environment of healthy living, youth development, and community impact on our breathtaking properties outside Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a place where nature inspires and staff lead with heart. We are committed to being welcoming to all people and to making a difference in the lives of our members, guests, and staff. The work each staff member does matters. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary mission-based experiences for our guests and for each other.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Fulfill all job functions and requirements of a YMCA of the Rockies Lifeguard.
• Know and enforce all YMCA of the Rockies aquatics policies and procedures, leading by example at all times.
• Demonstrate the ability to fluently read, write, and speak English.
• Continuously evaluate on-duty lifeguard performance, providing immediate feedback and correction as needed.
• Oversee daily maintenance and cleaning of aquatics facilities to ensure safety and cleanliness standards are met.
• Maintain clear and open communication with the Aquatics Director, lifeguards, staff, and pool users.
• Communicate the need for disciplinary action to the Aquatics Director and assist in addressing performance or behavior issues as directed.
• Maintain a flexible schedule and be available to assist or serve in place of the Aquatics Director when needed.
• Lead staff in-service trainings and orientation sessions in the absence of the Aquatics Director.
• Support the Aquatics Director in scheduling pool hours, programs, and lifeguard shifts.
• Conduct staff evaluations and provide constructive feedback in collaboration with the Aquatics Director.
• Attend weekly program or departmental meetings in the absence of the Aquatics Director.
• Support and uphold the Association’s Safety Program, promoting safe work practices and a secure environment for guests, members, and staff.
• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies mission, policies, and programs, modeling the organization’s values in all interactions.
• Provide excellent customer service at all times — friendly, professional, patient, and solution-oriented.
• Maintain acceptable standards for criminal background checks as required by the YMCA of the Rockies.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Handle guest comments and concerns appropriately, relaying relevant information to the Aquatics Director for follow-up.
• Meet or exceed monthly goals and requirements outlined in the Lifeguard Drill Book.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of aquatics operations and staff activities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel (2016 or later).
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and organized, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate and uphold the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith in all functions.
• Foster a cooperative, positive, and team-oriented environment with staff and guests.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support the success of the Aquatics Department and the YMCA mission.

GENERAL YMCA OF THE ROCKIES REQUIREMENTS

• Uphold and reflect the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith in all functions
• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies Mission, policies, and programs.
• Possess and demonstrate excellent customer service skills; for example, friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional.
• Support the YMCA of the Rockies safety program. Promote safe work practices and a safe environment for guests, members, and staff.
• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse community.
• Attend required abuse risk management training and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism is required.
• Must meet acceptable criminal background check standards.
• All other duties as assigned.

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. 

• Work performed primarily in an indoor aquatic facility with exposure to humidity, heat, and pool chemicals.
• Must be able to stand, swim, and remain alert for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and perform rescues as needed.
• Regular use of pool equipment and cleaning materials.
• Flexible schedule required, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Must remain calm and focused during emergencies and high-stress situations.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COLLABORATION:

Support organizational environmental sustainability goals through regular and effective collaboration and communication with sustainability leadership.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
YMCA of the Rockies is a Praesidium-accredited organization. Our hiring process reflects the values and standards of Praesidium and other accredited organizations. For more information about Praesidium accreditation, please visit https://www.praesidiuminc.com/

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities,

or qualifications associated with the job.