Lifeguard

Responsible for protecting the safety of members and participants in and around aquatic facilities. Prevents potential accidents by ensuring adherence to policies and program standards of the YMCA of San Diego County. Provide excellent customer service to members and participants.

Not certified? No problem! GET CERTIFIED AT THE Y!

We offer paid certification training to candidates who have been hired!

For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

Hiring Locations:

North County – Escondido YMCA - Campus For Community Well-Being (Escondido) - Must be available Mon-Fri from 2pm-6:30pm (Pool opening in June 2025. The position at Escondido will start on 05/02/25. Will be able to work at other locations in the meantime)

North County – Rancho Family YMCA (Rancho Penasquitos) - Must be available on weekends and 10am-7:30pm during the summer 

North County – Mottino Family YMCA (Oceanside) - Must be available for at least 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day

North County – Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA (Encinitas) - Must be available to work 15-20 hours per week 

Central – Toby Wells Family YMCA (Kearny Mesa) - Shift times: Mondays 2pm-8:30pm, Tuesdays 2pm-8:30pm, Thursday 10am-8:30pm, Fridays 9am-7pm, Saturday 8am-3pm, Sunday 7:30am-2pm

Central – Mission Valley YMCA (Mission Valley) - Must be available a minimum of 3 days per week and a minimum of 4 hours per shift

Central – Copley-Price Family YMCA (City Heights) - Must be available for at least 2 days during the week and 1 weekend day 

Central – Jackie Robinson Family YMCA (Southeast SD) - Must have weekend availability 

Coastal – McKinney Family YMCA (La Jolla) - Must be available for at least 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day (Thu availability highly preferred)

Coastal – Ryan Family YMCA (La Jolla) - Hiring for the summer! Must be available Mon-Fri from 5am-8pm, Sat from 7:45am-3:15pm, and Sun from 7:45am-1:15pm 

East County – Davis Family YMCA (La Mesa) - Must be available Mon-Fri within the hours of 5:45am-6:15pm and Saturdays from 8am-1pm 

South County – South Bay Family YMCA (Chula Vista) - Must be available Mon-Thu from 10:30am-8:15pm and 1 weekend day

South County – Border View Family YMCA (Otay Mesa West) - Must be available MW 3:30 PM TO 8:30 PM, TTh 6:30 AM TO 10:15 AM, F 6:30 AM TO 9:15, SAT 7:30 AM TO 12:15 PM  

If you do not see the location you are looking for in the list above, that is because the location is not currently hiring for this position.

• Practice preventative lifeguard techniques at all times to include but not limited to the following:
• Positioned to have full view of the area of responsibility above and below water surface
• Area of responsibility not greater than 180 degrees
• Scan area of responsibility every 5 to 10 seconds
• Must have contact with victim within 10 seconds
• Remain within 2 feet of the pool at all times
• Perform appropriate rescues
• Report any hazards or problems to Director immediately
• Educates participants regarding rules and regulations of pool area
• Participate in scheduled and random lifeguard drills
• Administer First Aid and/or CPR as necessary
• Perform chemical tests as scheduled and add chemicals to the pool as needed when not lifeguarding
• Ability to work effectively with others in alignment with the YMCA 4 Core Values
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swift in an emergency situation
• Ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations and apply appropriate policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned needs to be included to all roles

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Current YMCA or Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (must crossover to YMCA within 6 months)
• Current CPR PRO/AED and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association or American Safety & Health Institute
• Current First Aid certification (First Aid for Public Safety Personnel within 11 months) and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association or American Safety & Health Institute
• Current O2 certification and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association or American Safety & Health Institute
• Must pass written and practical skills exam prior to duty

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.