Ridgewood YMCA

Pool Deck Lifeguard Job Description

JOB TITLE: Lifeguard
LOCATION: Ridgewood, NJ
REPORTS TO: VP of Aquatics
STATUS: Non-Exempt (Part-Time)
PAYRATE: $15.49-16.50 Hourly

OUR CULTURE:
At the Ridgewood Y, our mission and core values come to life through our culture. Guided by our four pillars—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—we live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. As a nonprofit charitable organization, we have been committed to serving youth, adults, and families across Northern New Jersey and the Camp Bernie area since 1902, as part of the worldwide YMCA movement. Through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, we create meaningful connections that build spirit, mind, and body for all. Our team is dependable, hardworking, and always ready to roll up our sleeves to get the job done. We believe in the power of diversity, collaboration, and showing up for one another—because together, we are stronger. If you’re looking to make a difference and be part of a mission-driven team, the Ridgewood Y is the place for you! The Ridgewood YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We believe our strength lies in our diversity and are committed to being an inclusive organization. We welcome applicants from any and all walks of life.

BENEFITS:

  • Complimentary membership to the Ridgewood Y for you, which includes access to pools, fitness centers, and group fitness classes
  • Discount on programming and events
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Retirement Savings & 403(b) Smart Account after eligibility requirements are met

POSITION SUMMARY:
Lifeguards at the Ridgewood YMCA are responsible for ensuring a safe and welcoming aquatic environment. This includes maintaining vigilant supervision of the pool, deck, and surrounding areas while promoting a positive experience for all members and guests in alignment with YMCA policies and procedures.

 

JOB FUNCTION:

  • Maintains constant and proactive surveillance of the pool and surrounding areas to ensure a safe environment for all participants.
  • Understands, reviews, and adheres to all emergency procedures; responds promptly and appropriately to emergencies and completes required incident reports.
  • Addresses challenges or issues with a solutions-oriented mindset in a timely and professional manner.
  • Consistently applies all YMCA safety rules, policies, and guidelines related to pool and aquatic facility usage.
  • Maintains high alertness and readiness to act to prevent incidents or respond swiftly when necessary; may also assist in greeting patrons and upholding facility cleanliness.
  • Demonstrates the ability to remain calm, composed, and objective under pressure or when confronted.
  • Accurately maintains records and documentation as required by YMCA policy and applicable health regulations.
  • Conducts regular equipment checks to ensure all lifesaving and safety equipment is in place and functional.
  • Inspects pool and surrounding areas upon arrival to identify and address any hazardous conditions.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum age of 15
  • Certifications: Professional rescuer CPR/AED, and first aid.
  • Current American Red Cross Certification
  • Child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date.
  • Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness
  • Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills required.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and willingness to maintain a flexible schedule.
  • All lifeguards must always be friendly and professional.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSCIAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
  • Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
  • Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
  • See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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