Lifeguard - Otterbein

Countryside YMCA is looking for a dependable, safety-focused Lifeguard to join our team at the Otterbein Senior Life Community pool. This branch has its own rhythm; you'll be working primarily with an older-adult membership base, supervising water aerobics, lap swim, and therapeutic pool programming in a warm, community-centered environment. If you like the idea of getting to know your members by name and being a trusted, familiar face at the pool, this role is a great fit.

As a member of the Y team, you'll help carry out our mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.  You'll be the person our swimmers count on to keep the water safe

What You'll Do

• Keep constant, focused watch over the pool area; no phones, no distractions, eyes on the water.
• Show up in full guard uniform (swimsuit, guard shirt, whistle, rescue tube, towel, and barrier) and ready at your post when your shift starts.
• Spend your shift moving between guard stations, including time in an elevated chair, staying alert and mobile throughout.
• Speak clearly and confidently, whether that's projecting your voice across the pool deck or calmly relaying details to emergency responders by phone or in person.
• Cover your assigned zone independently; you may be the only guard on deck at times, so strong solo judgment matters.
• Stay sharp on emergency response procedures and act immediately using YMCA protocols and the "Safe in Six" model, completing incident paperwork as needed.
• Walk the pool deck at the start of each shift to check for hazards and stay aware of zone-specific risk areas.
• Actively supervise everything happening in the water during open swim, water fitness classes, lessons, and any other scheduled aquatic programs, holding a high safety bar throughout.
• Follow opening and closing procedures precisely, including securing all doors when no guard is on duty.
• Attend staff meetings and required in-service trainings.
• Enforce pool rules and safety guidelines consistently, but always with a courteous and professional tone.
• Build genuine, positive rapport with members and program participants.
• Collaborate well with fellow staff and keep the team dynamic positive.
• Monitor pool chemical levels and equipment function, flagging or correcting issues as needed.
• Pitch in on pool-area cleaning and light maintenance tasks.
• Take on other duties as business needs arise.

What You'll Need

• Minimum age: 18
• Current YMCA of the USA or American Red Cross Lifeguard certification
• Current Basic Life Support, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration certification
• Ability to pass a criminal background check

To complete within your first 90 days:

• YMCA Lifeguard v6 Certification (includes ASHI BLS, First Aid, O2 Administration)
• YMCA Lifeguard v6 Instructor Certification (includes ASHI Basic Instructor Certification)
• Aquatic Department orientation (within your first week)
• Community Health and Safety program orientation
• New hire orientation and standard training modules

Skills That Will Help You Succeed

• A high level of maturity and personal responsibility
• Clear, confident communication, spoken and written
• Comfort enforcing rules firmly but respectfully
• A genuine, professional, customer-first attitude
• Reliable, on-time attendance
• Willingness to keep certifications current and attend required meetings
• Bonus: some familiarity with pool chemistry and upkeep

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Candidates will complete a lifeguard skills assessment during the interview process (endurance test, timed swim, and a demonstration of CPR/rescue skills).
• Frequent sitting, kneeling, standing, stooping, reaching, and hands-on use of rescue equipment.
• Strong visual and auditory awareness is essential for spotting swimmers in distress. This includes close and distance vision, use of both eyes, color/shade differentiation, depth perception, peripheral vision, and focus adjustment.
• Must be a proficient swimmer with solid rescue and first-aid technique.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally and to physically extract a swimmer from the pool to the deck during a rescue.
• Regular use of communication and problem-solving skills, including interpreting people and situations in real time.
• May involve interacting with distressed or dissatisfied members.
• Regular exposure to pool chemicals, humidity, and wet conditions.
• Noise levels vary depending on the activity or programming underway.

A Few Notes on Accommodations

We're committed to making sure qualified candidates with disabilities have what they need to succeed in this role.  Reasonable accommodations are available to support performance of the essential job functions.

Our Commitment to Safety

Countryside YMCA takes the safety of children and vulnerable individuals seriously. We use thorough screening, ongoing staff training, and clear behavioral standards to prevent abuse, and we hold a zero-tolerance policy for any violations. Every employee is expected to follow our child protection policies, complete required training, and report any concerning behavior right away.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Countryside YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to these characteristics.