Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
YO
YMCA of Catawba Valley
Lead Lifeguard - Phifer
Career Insights for Lifeguard
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on North Carolina data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Lifeguard watches swimming areas and provides for the safety of swimmers at pools, lakes and beaches. Maintains careful watch of people in the water, enforces safety rules at swimming places; rescues swimmers and treats accidents as needed.
$29,464 / year median in North Carolina
+11% projected growth
Job Description
Overview Be the leader who sets the tone for success! This role serves as both the Opening Lead Lifeguard, welcoming members and preparing the facility for a safe start at 6:00 AM, and the Closing Lead Lifeguard, ensuring a smooth and secure close each evening at 7:30 PM. Working alongside the Aquatics Coordinator, you'll play a key leadership role in delivering exceptional member experiences, supporting staff, and keeping daily operations running at their very best. Every shift is an opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a difference! Responsibilities Supervise and support lifeguard staff, ensuring proper coverage, adherence to safety protocols, and professional conduct Act as the on-deck lead, assisting with incident response, emergency situations, and enforcing facility policies Monitor pool operations, ensuring compliance with YMCA and local health and safety standards Assist with in-service training sessions, skill evaluations, and ongoing development for lifeguards Perform advanced water rescues and provide leadership in emergency response situations as needed Conduct daily safety checks of the pool, equipment, and surrounding areas to ensure a safe environment Communicate effectively with members, guests, and staff, handling concerns and ensuring a positive experience Support the Aquatics Director in scheduling, record-keeping, and operational duties as assigned Mentor and assist in onboarding new lifeguards, fostering a strong and cohesive team Uphold and promote the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility Summer seasonal positions typically work from May through September Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership All YMCA staff are responsible for creating a safe, inclusive environment. This includes following all YMCA policies and procedures related to abuse prevention, reporting concerns or incidents immediately, and maintaining appropriate boundaries with youth and members Candidates must tolerate background noise, meet a 25-decibel hearing threshold, and use hearing aids without interruption. They must remain alert, meet strength requirements, observe assigned areas, and use corrective eyewear without disruption. Qualifications Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application Minimum 3 years lifeguarding experience and demonstrated leadership experience Strong knowledge of water safety practices, emergency response, and lifeguard training techniques Ability to lead, mentor, and support a team of lifeguards in a professional and effective manner Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to enforce policies while maintaining positive relationships Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure situations Familiarity with pool operations, risk management, and aquatic facility maintenance Must be comfortable working in and around water for extended periods Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed Passion for aquatic safety, leadership, and team development All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Catawba Valley.