Lifeguard (Year-Round)

Why Your Role Matters

We’re hiring Lifeguards at multiple YMCA locations! In this role, you’ll help create a safe, supportive environment where members can enjoy the water with confidence. Your attention to safety and quick response skills make a direct impact on the well-being of our community. This is a great opportunity to build professional experience, contribute to a mission-driven organization, and receive a free YMCA membership. Apply today to join our team.

This is a year-round, ongoing position (not seasonal). We’re seeking candidates who can work 15–28 hours per week with flexible schedules.

How You Make an Impact  

• Proactively monitor pool areas and enforce safety rules to prevent accidents, creating a secure space where members can enjoy the water with confidence.
• React to emergencies with appropriate first aid and CPR, aiming for positive outcomes, ensuring that every member feels safe and supported.
• Identify and resolve potential hazards immediately, preventing accidents and fostering a worry-free environment for all users.
• Regularly inspect pool equipment and facilities, reporting any issues to ensure everything is in working order, which supports a seamless and enjoyable experience for all members.
• Inform members about pool rules and safety procedures, encouraging compliance and helping them feel secure while engaging in water-based activities.
• Help with swim lessons and aquatics programs, playing an active role in members' skill development and contributing to positive program outcomes.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the pool area and locker rooms, ensuring a pleasant, hygienic space where members can relax and enjoy their time.
• Attend all required trainings and staff meetings to stay up-to-date with safety procedures and best practices, improving your skills and enhancing your impact.
• Demonstrate YMCA's purpose and values in all interactions, helping to create a culture of respect, care, and community.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization, sharing the Y's work and culture with members, peers, and guests and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Assist with any other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall success and positive atmosphere of the YMCA.

What You Bring to the Y 

• Must be at a minimum of 16 years old.  
• Hold a current lifeguard certification, including CPR/AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration, with a willingness to cross over to the YMCA Lifeguard certification (provided by us).
• Experience as part of a swim team, swim instructor, or lifeguard is preferred. 
• Excellent swimming skills, ability to perform rescue techniques, and endurance maintenance. 
• Demonstrate the ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations. 
• Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission. 
• Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment. 
• Communicates Effectively: Listen actively and communicate clearly with members and peers. 
• Customer Focused: Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service. 
• Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included. 

Physical Requirements:

The role requires comfort working in a pool environment, with exposure to water, chlorine, and varying temperatures. Lifeguards must be able to stand, walk, swim, and remain alert for extended periods. The position involves hearing and distinguishing distress signals, visually scanning all areas of the pool, and responding quickly to emergencies. Additionally, it requires lifting and moving equipment, children, and performing other physical tasks related to pool supervision and instruction. Effective verbal communication, including projecting your voice across distances in both normal and noisy conditions, is essential. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. If you require any accommodations or have specific concerns regarding these physical requirements, please feel free to discuss them during the interview process.   

Work Location

• 1220 Old San Antonio Road, Buda, Texas 78610, United States
• 5315 Ed Bluestein Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78723, United States
• 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda, Texas 78610, United States
• 1000 West Rundberg Lane, Austin, Texas 78758, United States
• 5807 McNeil Drive, Austin, Texas 78729, United States
• 6219 Oakclaire Drive, Austin, Texas 78735, United States
• 27216 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, United States
• 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, Texas 78703, United States

About Us

The Greater Austin YMCA is a dynamic force elevating quality of life in Greater Austin by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families and seniors in our rapidly growing community. For nearly 75 years, the Greater Austin YMCA has evolved to address each community's greatest needs, touching every phase of life and nurturing happier, healthier people, a stronger community and a better world.

We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality programs that keep our community strong. As a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we provide financial assistance to expand access so community members can learn, grow, and thrive through our early learning academies, fitness and wellness centers, youth programs, workforce development, adult programming, mental health counseling, and more.

Each year, the Y serves nearly 140,000 people across Travis and Hays counties through seven fitness and wellness centers, more than 55 licensed campuses in four school districts, two YMCA Tomorrow Academy™ locations, and Camp Moody, our outdoor Adventure camp.

Globally, the YMCA is one of the oldest and largest youth-serving organizations in the world, united by our commitment to a better future -- for all.

Additional Information:

The organization has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Greater Austin YMCA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Greater Austin YMCA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which we have employees. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We Take Care of Our People

• Benefit from a free household YMCA membership, enriching both your life and the lives of others.
• Access retirement planning options to secure your future.
• Enhance your skills through participation in learning and development workshops.
• Exclusive cell phone plan discounts for AT&T and T-Mobile/Sprint users.
• Discounts on programs and services to make your YMCA experience even more rewarding.

Pay Range

$16.00 -$18.00 per hour, DOE