Aquatics Associate

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundation of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than just a job—you’ll enjoy a career with the chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the guidance of the Lifeguard Manager, the Aquatics Associate maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas. The Aquatics Associate creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA, Jeff Ellis & Associates, and the State of Michigan policies and procedures. The Aquatics Associate is responsible for lifeguarding and swim instruction, as well as for promoting safety in our branches by providing CPR and First Aid training to all staff, as required. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains active surveillance of the pool area including utilizing “10/20” and the “5-minute strategy”, ensuring that the pool is never left unattended. Ensures that fellow staff is following proper guidelines and correct them when needed.
• Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and Jeff Ellis & Associates. Completes related reports as required.
• Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
• Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA, Jeff Ellis & Associates, Model Aquatic Health Code and/or the State of Michigan Health Department code.
• Instructs swimming lessons in accordance with YMCA guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly.
• Build effective, authentic relationships with students and parents; help them connect with each other and the YMCA. Inform parents if any difficulties arise and keep them informed of student’s accomplishments. Encourage parent involvement and identify potential volunteers.
• Convey information on aquatics programs and schedules and as appropriate refer students and parents to other programs.
• Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
• Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and takes appropriate action.
• Checks the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving and alerts supervisor if unsafe conditions exist that require closing the pool for the safety of the members.
• Assist with all branch Aquatic Department in-services.
• Provide CPR and First Aid instruction in the branch for all employees.
• Maintain records as required (i.e. attendance, progress reports, etc.).
• Attends all staff meetings and in-service training.  
• Does not engage in any activity which will distract from scanning the pool (including, but not limited to: reading, tv watching, eating, text messaging, cell phone use, use of headphones, extended conversations with members, participants or co-workers, or sleeping).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

• Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 18
• Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid and Emergency Oxygen. 
• Current Jeff Ellis & Associates Lifeguard license, Jeff Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Instructor license preferred.
• Current YMCA Swim Instructor certification or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to maintain certification-level of physical and mental readiness at all times.
• Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA & Jeff Ellis & Associates standards at all times.
• Two years of experience lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons preferred.
• Must complete training to be an Ellis Lifeguard Instructor within 6 months of hire.
• Complete Y Swim Lesson instructor training within 6 months of hire.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL 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.

• 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.
• Ability to instruct and observe participants in proper stroke techniques.
• Ability to lift equipment, and to lift a small to average size child.