The Summer Lead Lifeguard is a seasonal position that serves as a senior member of the aquatic team, providing leadership, supervision, and mentorship to lifeguards while ensuring the highest level of safety, professionalism, and operational excellence in the aquatic facility. This role is responsible for overseeing daily lifeguard operations, enforcing safety protocols, assisting with training, and supporting the aquatic leadership team in maintaining a safe and engaging aquatic environment for members and guests.
Culture Statement:
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.
We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.
We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
Essential Functions:
• 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.
Required 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 Greater Charlotte.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Previous experience in a lead lifeguard role
• Supervisory experience.
Working Conditions:
• Work in both indoor and outdoor pool environments, with exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
• Physically active role requiring standing, swimming, scanning, and responding to emergencies for extended periods.
• Frequent exposure to chlorinated water, pool chemicals, and loud environments.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform water rescues as needed.
• Requires constant attentiveness and quick reaction times to ensure swimmer and staff safety.
• Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on pool
programming needs.
Competencies:
1. INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting
practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence
2. CRITICAL THINKING & DECISION MAKING: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and
sound judgment
3. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in
all situations
4. DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers,
members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential