Fogelman YMCA Lifeguards

AQUATICS & SAFETY - LIFEGUARD OPENER

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the leadership of the Aquatics Director the part-time Lifeguard Opener is responsible for building 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. Creating a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and promotes safety in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reports to work by 5 am Monday through Friday before the building opens to conduct all open procedures including but not limited to emergency pull
  station testing, chemical check, unlocking pool area, etc. Be able to stand ready and on stand when pool opens in compliance with rotation policies.
• Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving and prior to opening the pool.
• Maintains active surveillance of the poos area. Scan to see the entire area of protection every 10 seconds.
• Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Observance of the 10/20 rule. Completes related reports as required.
• Performs chemical testing prior to opening the pool and every 2 hours when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.
• Maintains effective, 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. 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.
• Attends all staff meetings and in-service training.
• Participate in VAT (vigilance awareness training) as directed by Aquatics Direction, YMCA and Red Cross Associates.
• Assist with various camps and programs as assigned.
• Perform various opening and daily duties as described on the daily to do list and opening checklist.
• Perform various maintenance duties as directed to maintain a claim and safe facility.
• Vacuum pool bottom, empty skimmer baskets, skim the surface of the pools; prepare pool surroundings for daily use including by not limited to
  straightening tables, chairs, pool equipment and offices and dispose of trash and debris.
• Maintain amenities and cleanliness of the changing rooms and bathrooms. Maintain guard shack and storage arears as needed.
• Keep Aquatics Coordinator or Director informed of any problems arising with patrons, other staff or the facility.
• Do no read or use a phone (including airpods, and smart watch) while on stand or other than on break.
• Wear proper uniform and address environment concerns. Uniform includes: outer layer that identifies you as a lifeguard, polarized sunglasses, (if
  sunny and pool glare), fanny pack with properly inflated big easy rescue mask and gloves, whistle, hat or visor if desired.
• Accurately report work time via approved YMCA Clocking Method: Branch Kiosk, YMCA site phone, YMCA iPad or timesheet.

YMCA LEADERSHIP 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. 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, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Minimum age 16.
• Certifications: CPR for the professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid and Emergency Oxygen.
• Current Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or equivalent (must complete the Red Cross certification before allowed on stand).
• Child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
• Ability to maintain certification-level of physical and mental readiness.
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA and Red Cross standards.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Work schedules may vary per the Y’s hours of operation. Most Y’s are open 7 days a week:

Mon. – Fri. 4:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Must be able to remain alert and with no lapses of consciousness.
• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.
• See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.
• Ability to perceive, identify and respond to signs of distress.

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South.