lifeguard

Overview:

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of the National Capital Region responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide lasting solutions. Serving thousands of people across our region annually, we are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential. This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals. Some of the benefits of working for the Y include:

What we offer

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free Y membership.
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps)
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, financial advice, among other 12 suites of services
• Extended Maternity leaves to all our staff for up to 6 more months after the year of leave.

What do you offer?

Reporting to the Aquatics Coordinator, the Lifeguard works as a part of the YMCA of the National Capital Region’s aquatics team to ensure the safety and satisfaction of members using the aquatics facilities. The Lifeguard interacts with members in the facility, role models best practices, and educates members regarding safe swimming habits.

The Lifeguard promotes accident and incident prevention through supervision, rule enforcement, and good maintenance practices. The Lifeguard maintains constant surveillance of members in the aquatics facility, guards from appropriate locations, and follows appropriate guard-to-bather ratios. This position completes safety checks of lifesaving equipment, reports all malfunctioning equipment, removes damaged equipment from circulation, and ensures the safe and effective use of equipment by participants.

The lifeguard responds to all incidents and accidents that occur in the aquatic or surrounding area. In the event of an emergency, the Lifeguard acts immediately and appropriately to secure the safety of patrons by providing emergency care and treatment as required until emergency medical services arrive.

This position ensures that health and safety regulations and YMCA policies and procedures are upheld.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Provide a supportive and welcoming environment for all, ensuring excellent quality programs and services are delivered to all program members and potential program members.
• Demonstrate YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
• Act as a team member, possessing excellent judgment, flexibility, decisiveness, and energy
• Actively interact and ‘build relationships with program members to help ensure member experiences are enhanced, members are successful and retained
• Promote and encourage all members to participate to their fullest potential
• Promptly respond to program member and participant inquiries and concerns.
• Implement member involvement activities and events, which will work to strengthen members' commitment and sense of belonging to the Y
• Adhere to emergency guidelines and procedures; understanding their risks
• Be a contributing team member and share in the overall responsibilities of the day-to-day operations
• Work to ensure the facility is clean and safe at all times, taking responsibility for the Pool areas specifically
• Ensure pool equipment is well maintained
• Complete all other administrative responsibilities and duties
• Attend training sessions as required

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education

• Post-secondary education or equivalent in a related field

Language

• Fluent in English, oral and written
• French Language is an asset

Experience, Abilities & Skills

• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Basic understanding of pool operations
• Physical fitness to be maintained
• Must maintain a calm and professional demeanor in high-stress situations
• Additional aquatic qualifications are considered an asset
• Previous experience as a Lifeguard is considered an asset
• Ability to recognize, assess and react promptly and appropriately in emergencies
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to work with clients and staff with diverse needs, backgrounds, and skills
• YMCA, Red Cross, or Lifesaving Society Swim Instructors certification
• YMCA, Speedo, or CALA Aqua Fitness are considered asset certifications

Additional Requirements:

• Current National Lifeguard (NL) certification
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR C
• Current WHMIS certification
• Criminal Reference Check for the Vulnerable Sector, not more than 6 months old is required
• Annually all staff must complete the mandatory training for Protecting Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Persons and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

• COMMITMENT TO Y VISION AND VALUES – Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes, and values of the YMCA.
• LEADERSHIP – Motivates and inspires others to take action and achieve desired outcomes.
• QUALITY FOCUS – Ensures that success criteria for self are set, reviewed, and surpassed regularly to provide excellent service delivery.
• RESULTS ORIENTED – The ability to manage and lead to achieve and exceed identified goals.
• SERVICE ORIENTATION – Deliberately identifies and creates opportunities to enhance every person’s YMCA experience.
• TEAMWORK – The ability to work effectively with others to achieve optimal collective results.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y:

Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

How to apply?

All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position. Internal applicants can apply only after completing the probationary period of their current job unless approved by People and Culture.

Applications must be submitted to the YMCA of the National Capital Region, and all cover letters should be addressed to Brianna Saumure. Please send applications to People & Culture Assistant, Brianna Saumure (recruitment@ymcaottawa.ca)

Thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please advise in advance if you require any accommodation during this process. We believe all people have the right to live free from discrimination or harassment of any kind.

About YMCA

CEO: Kyle Barber
Revenue: $25 to $50 million (USD)
Size: 1001 to 5000 Employees
Type: Non-profit Organisation
Website: http://www.ymca.org
Year Founded: 1885