Lifeguard

at  YMCA of Greater Brandywine

EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF IMPACTFUL ADVENTURE

The lifeguard is responsible for the guarding and safety of members and program participants within all aquatic facilities. This role will be responsible for carrying out and enforcing aquatic policies and procedures in compliance with statues as described by the State of Pennsylvania, the YMCA of the USA, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, lifeguard licensing agency Ellis and Associates, and YMCA insurance representative.

• ACTIVELY scanning the assigned zone of coverage every 10 seconds and getting to the farthest point within another 20 seconds.
• Each rotation lifeguard should perform a profound bottom scan of their zones as they rotate in and rotate out.
• Position self so that glare, building components, or floating play structures do not compromise the view of the pool bottom of the entire area of responsibility.
• Guard from one of two positions: (1) in an elevated chair at the edge of the pool OR (2) standing or patrolling within one foot from pool edge at all times.
• Change body position every five minutes in accordance with Jeff Ellis & Associates 5 Minute Strategy Standards.
• Never leave the pool deck unguarded for any reason.
• Be Rescue Ready (feet flat, fanny pack, rescue tube in front of or on side of body at all times with slack being carried in your hand and whistle) at any time.
• Actively participate in all in-house required drills, including mock drills and monthly in-house trainings. Respond to all drills as if they were live situations.
• Close the pool if conditions are unsafe and alert a supervisor immediately. Follow the Association Thunder and Lightning Policy.
• Act professionally and responsibly when communicating with members.
• Follow association guidelines to swim test and mark all children aged 14 and under in accordance with association protocols.
• Consistently and always enforce all pool rules with courtesy and fairness.
• Assist with maintaining a clean facility by following the down duties for each branch and/or any other responsibilities while on rotation away from actively lifeguarding.
• Abide by the following expectations: Lifeguards are expected to scan in one zone for no more than 30 minutes. Lifeguards will rotate zones at least every 30 minutes and will have a 15 min break after working 4 hours. During the 4 hours lifeguards are working they will have breaks from scanning that may include but are not limited to: administering swim tests, putting away equipment, cleaning the pool area, checking locker rooms, administering first aid, and engaging with members. At no point, during this four-hour period, should lifeguards be using a cell phone for any reason.
• Refrain from cell phone use and smart watches while actively lifeguarding.
• Ensure compliance with all YGBW policies and standard operating procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.