The lifeguard is responsible for the guarding and the safety of the members and program participants within all aquatic facilities, which include all the pools and waterfront areas. He/She will also be responsible for carrying out all aquatic policies and procedures listed in the YMCA and Red Cross lifeguard manuals, Riverbrook Regional YMCA Aquatic Guidelines, and the Code of Conduct and the Y’s personnel policies manual.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- The lifeguard will arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled shift.
- Monitoring activities in and near the water through patron surveillance.
- Preventing injuries by minimizing or eliminating hazardous situations or behaviors.
- Enforcing facility rules and regulations and educating patrons about them.
- Recognizing and responding quickly and effectively to all emergencies.
- Administering First Aid and CPR, including using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and if trained, administering emergency oxygen when needed.
- If an emergency should occur, he/she will make the necessary rescues and administer first aid as necessary, after which the lifeguard will fill out any necessary accident reports and forward them to the supervisor.
- Working as a team with other lifeguards, facility staff and management.
- Lifeguards are to clock in when they are ready to be on duty and to clock out at the end of the shift. If punching in or out is impossible, you may write the hours on your time card, and have a supervisor sign it. If the signature is not obtained, the Y has the right to refuse compensation for those hours.
- He/She will follow proper opening and/or closing procedures.
- Be professional at all times.
- Wear lifeguard uniform only when on duty. This includes but is not limited to: lifeguard shirt/tank top, lifeguard bathing suit (one piece for females), whistle, and hip pack.
- He/She will know the pool schedule, being aware of any changes that have been made in all of the aquatic venues at the Riverbrook Regional YMCA.
- Telephone usage is prohibited while on duty or on the pool deck and/or water front areas.
- He/She will remain friendly, courteous and helpful to all members.
- The lifeguard will keep lap swimmers organized during lap swim times and may if necessary, move swimmers to different lanes if a situation warrants.
- All doors must be locked, and lights turned off at the end of shifts and if no guards are in the pool area.
- Will assist with the placement and/or removal of the pool blankets, bulkhead and lane lines in the 25 yard and 50- Meter pool.
- If a staff member has a personal problem or grievance or a problem with a member it should be brought to the attention of a supervisor.
- The lifeguard MUST attend all staff meetings and training events.
- The lifeguard will NEVER leave the pool deck unattended for any reason.
- He/She will follow the Riverbrook Regional YMCA Lifeguard Manual as attached.
- He/She will follow the Riverbrook Regional YMCA Code of Conduct and Personnel Policies.
- Job responsibilities include access to protected health information. The employee may access protected health information (PHI) only to the extent that it is necessary for job requirements. May only share PHI with those who have a need to know specific member/participant/employee information in order to complete job responsibilities related to the individual’s participation, payment or company operations. Is expected to complete required HIPAA privacy training and maintain HIPAA compliance at all times. HIPAA Compliance Training must be taken annually.
- The Lifeguard has access to protected health information (PHI) of Y program participants. The Lifeguard may use and disclose PHI to workforce members for the purpose of treatment, payment and operations only.
- Actively participates in and upholds the YMCA’s mission to be open and accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation or special need. Contributes time to raise funds for this worthy and necessary endeavor by supporting the Y’s Annual Giving and Capital Development campaigns.
Disciplinary Action:
- It is the right and obligation of the Supervisory staff to take disciplinary action should the standards of conduct outlined in the Aquatic Employee Guidelines, Code of Conduct particularly the performance standards not adhered to.
Absences:
- It is expected that all lifeguards work their assigned shifts; however, if the situation arises where you are unable to fulfill your obligation, it is your responsibility to obtain a substitute to cover your shift, and inform the shift supervisor prior to the day in question. The substitute must be approved by the supervisor, and must be actively on the Riverbrook Regional YMCA payroll. Failure to do so may lead to a verbal, written warning or termination of employment.
Summary:
- Lifeguarding is a science. A guard’s efficiency is not based upon the number of rescues performed, but rather on the limited number of emergencies occurring in his or her area of responsibility while on duty. Prevention of injuries and accidents through knowledge of lifesaving is the chief objective of a skilled lifeguard. The employee must realize that his or her vigilance and job execution are essential in the protection of human lives.
YMCA 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 fundraising.
- 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.
- 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.
