Lifeguard - SMR (2026)

POSITION SUMMARY:

YMCA of the Rockies Lifeguards at Snow Mountain Ranch are responsible for ensuring the safety of all guests and staff at the aquatic facilities by preventing and responding to emergencies. They enforce pool rules, maintain a clean and safe environment, and provide a positive experience for all visitors. Lifeguards also assist with facility inspections and general upkeep of the pool, locker rooms, and restrooms.

This position supports the mission-driven work of the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch, a family and group conference and retreat center with a residential camp serving approximately 50,000 guests annually.

OUR CULTURE:
We firmly believe in our mission of putting Christian principles into practice through programs, staff, and facilities in an environment that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. YMCA of the Rockies staff are key players in helping cultivate an environment of healthy living, youth development, and community impact on our breathtaking properties outside Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a place where nature inspires and staff lead with heart. We are committed to being welcoming to all people and to making a difference in the lives of our members, guests, and staff. The work each staff member does matters. We count on our staff to provide extraordinary mission-based experiences for our guests and for each other.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all swimmers by actively monitoring assigned areas and responding quickly to emergencies.

• Assess situations promptly and make sound, safety-based decisions.

• Enforce pool rules and warn swimmers of unsafe behaviors or conditions.

• Perform water rescues and administer first aid and CPR when needed.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the pool, deck, and surrounding facilities.

• Complete required records, reports, and safety checklists accurately and on time.

• Stay alert and attentive at all times, observing all sections of assigned zones.

• Follow and implement all YMCA of the Rockies and Program Department safety policies and procedures.

• Properly handle and use cleaning chemicals in accordance with safety standards.

• Participate in all in-service trainings; demonstrate preparedness, engagement, and a willingness to learn.

• Operate telephones, rescue tools, and cleaning equipment safely and effectively.

• Maintain all lifeguarding skills and certifications; participate in refresher or remedial training as needed.

• Support other recreation programs or facilities as assigned.

SNOW MOUNTAIN RANCH SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

• Provide lifeguard oversight at the reservoir and during all canoeing and waterfront activities.

• Explain canoe safety rules to guests and assist with boarding and exiting canoes.

• Maintain cleanliness and readiness of all waterfront and boating equipment.

• Assist in teaching swimming lessons and facilitating games or activities on the water.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Current certification in Lifeguarding (American Red Cross, YMCA, Ellis, or equivalent) and CPR/AED; willing to certify the right candidate.

• Previous lifeguarding experience preferred.

• Physical ability to use aquatic safety equipment and meet strength and endurance requirements for rescues.

• Willingness to obtain Emergency Oxygen training (provided at no cost).

• May be required to meet a weekly swim quota.

• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse ages, backgrounds, and identities.

• Must demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith.

GENERAL YMCA OF THE ROCKIES REQUIREMENTS

• Uphold and reflect the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith in all functions

• Uphold the YMCA of the Rockies Mission, policies, and programs.

• Possess and demonstrate excellent customer service skills; for example, friendly, personable, helpful, patient, and professional.

• Support the YMCA of the Rockies safety program. Promote safe work practices and a safe environment for guests, members, and staff.

• Promote a cooperative, positive, and flexible atmosphere while working with others in a diverse community.

• Attend required abuse risk management training and report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism is required.

• Must meet acceptable criminal background check standards.

• All other duties as assigned.

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.

• Work is performed primarily in indoor and outdoor pool environments at high altitude, which may include warm, humid, or noisy conditions.

• Must be able to remain alert for extended periods and react quickly in emergency situations.

• Requires the ability to swim, tread water, and perform water rescues.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and assist individuals in and out of the pool.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and exposure to pool chemicals.

• Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COLLABORATION:

Support organizational environmental sustainability goals through regular and effective collaboration and communication with sustainability leadership.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
YMCA of the Rockies is a Praesidium-accredited organization. Our hiring process reflects the values and standards of Praesidium and other accredited organizations. For more information about Praesidium accreditation, please visit https://www.praesidiuminc.com/

Note: Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities,

or qualifications associated with the job.