Lifeguard – Chinatown Y

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities  

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation’s most pressing social issues. 

Our Organizational Culture  

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals. 

Position Summary 

The Lifeguard position ensures the safety of the pool and surrounding areas and responds appropriately to emergencies. Responsibilities include maintaining order and cleanliness in the pool area, including the office, equipment room, and deck.  

The Lifeguard position requires a positive, enthusiastic, and professional attitude when interacting with a diverse population of members and staff. Lifeguards are expected to uphold the YMCA’s mission by supporting programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

To qualify for the opening lifeguard, pay rate, lifeguards must be scheduled to open at least one shift per week, per season (up to three months). 

Job Responsibilities 

Safety and Supervision 

• Maintain full attention on the pool and its occupants at all times. 

• Enforce all pool rules consistently, including regulating lap lanes to ensure swimmers are in appropriate lanes and fostering an inclusive environment for all swimmers. 

• Supervise Junior Lifeguards (Lifeguard I) and new lifeguards, including volunteers and aides, while on duty. 

• Lead and provide guidance during emergency situations to ensure proper care, notification of emergency contacts, and activation of the branch chain of command. 

• Complete additional opening tasks, such as testing Emergency Response systems, ensuring proper chemistry for safe opening of swimming pools, and unlocking all doors to ensure ADA access. 

Facility and Equipment Maintenance 

• Maintain the aquatics equipment and areas, including the office and supply areas, with a strong focus on cleanliness and safety. 

• Report any facility problems or concerns to management, including issues with rescue equipment, fitness equipment, and other pool environmental concerns. 

Documentation and Record Keeping 

• Record chemical readings, water temperature, pool inspections, accident/incident reports, participant statistics, and other details as instructed by your supervisor. 

Professionalism and Preparedness 

• Arrive on time for your shift, wearing the required uniform and having rescue equipment ready for use in case of an emergency. 

• Commit to working your scheduled shifts as outlined in the scheduling policy or find substitutes unless otherwise directed by your supervisor. 

• Complete all required training and re-certifications in a timely manner. 

Member Engagement and Communication 

• Promote the YMCA’s Aquatics programming and familiarize yourself with the offerings available to members. 

• Utilize active listening and motivational interviewing techniques to engage with members and participants and effectively manage conflicts. 

• Create a welcoming environment by greeting members and learning their names. 

Qualifications 

• 18+ years or older.  

• Must be available early mornings, afternoons, and/or weekends. 

• Current certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, American Red Cross Lifeguard, or the ability to obtain within 30 days or upon the first available class.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other languages. 

Work Environment & Physical Demands 

The Lifeguard position primarily involves working within an indoor aquatic facility, with occasional duties at an outdoor pool, ensuring the safety of all pool users. The work environment is dynamic, requiring constant vigilance and frequent interactions with swimmers, children, and staff. Lifeguards are responsible for enforcing pool rules, maintaining safety standards, and responding quickly to emergencies such as water rescues and administering first aid when necessary. 

Physical demands include standing or walking for extended periods, swimming, performing rescues, and handling rescue equipment and other items weighing up to 50 lbs. Lifeguards also supervise Jr. Lifeguards, volunteers, and aides, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and providing guidance as needed. Exposure to varying weather conditions may occur when working at the outdoor pool. The role also requires the ability to perform lifeguarding duties, including water rescues and administering first aid as needed. 

Disclaimers 

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check. 

• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties. 

• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed. 

• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment. 

Salary Description 

The Lifeguard position offers a compensation range of $21.00 – $27.50 per hour. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position.