Instructor/Lifeguard, Aquatics

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Aquatics Lifeguard/Instructor at YMCA of Northern Alberta creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while providing effective supervision and risk management to the overall delivery of all aquatics programs and services in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Maintains active surveillance of the pool area and is not distracted while instructing.

2. Develops and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, members, program participants, and colleagues at all levels of the organization; helps participants and families connect with each other and the YMCA; and encourages parent or caregiver involvement.

3. Conveys information on aquatics programs and schedules and as appropriate refers program participants and families to other programs.

4. Receives regular feedback by on deck/in-water coaching, behavior audits, SEE audits, YMCA Aquatics SAM audits and applies feedback to improve individual and team performance.

5. Aware of all emergency procedures, pool and aquatic programming standards and best practices; responds to situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures; completes related reports or recommendations as required.

6. Ensures YMCA Aquatics SAM standards are consistently met or exceeded and supports the Head Guard in responding to service issues with possible solutions in a timely manner

7. Is a vigilant on-deck lifeguard as well as an active on-deck/in-water mentor and swim instructor – Role models and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines in the aquatics area.

8. Performs aquatics facilities, and all equipment checks (emergency, safety, program), on a regular basis ensuring standards are met and resolving deficiencies and issues.

9. Uses off deck time efficiently to maintain cleanliness and safety of the aquatics area. Records completed tasks on the proper form.

10. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the Alberta health code. Specifically, but not limited to daily water tests, pool attendance tracking and maintenance sheets.

11. Ensures aquatics facility is safe by checking the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.

12. Supports the department, branch and association in implementing and achieving goals.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 16 years of age (16-17 years under supervision of 18+year old lifeguard).
• University degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Education or related experience an asset.
• Certifications: Standard First Aid & CPR-C
• If not already certified, must obtain YMCA Swim Instructor (YSI) certification within first year of hire date.
• Aquatics Emergency Care (AEC) and National Coaching certification (NCCP) are an asset.
• Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable sector check
• Must obtain employer specific WHMIS and child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date
• Ability to maintain certification-level currency without expiry, as well as physical and mental readiness.

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.
• Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard and instructor.
• Able to handle difficult situations and customer complaints with confidence.
• Able to prioritize many tasks on an ongoing basis; organized and able to follow through.
• Good decision-making capability and able to be interrupted frequently.
• Is a mentor and role model for staff, and volunteers.
• Can accomplish administrative tasks accurately and in a timely manner.