Evening and Weekend Lifeguard - $300 Hiring Bonus

Company: YMCA of Rock River Valley
Location: Rockford
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description NEW HIRE SIGN-ON BONUS - $300 New lifeguard employees will be qualified to receive a sign-on bonus. All new hires will be eligible for this bonus. Bonus will be awarded after the new hire completes 90 days of service New hire must remain “in good standing”, defined as Actively employed and Received less than 2 documented, progressive discipline conversations and All trainings and other staff requirements are complete and up to date These incentives are effective for candidates applying 9/12/2025 and forward. The incentive process will be evaluated at the end of 2025 to determine if they will continue into the next year. YOUR IMPACT 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. Lifeguards are primarily responsible for preventing drownings and injuries from occurring. Lifeguards must be able to recognize and respond quickly and effectively to emergencies. The Lifeguard creates a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas. In accordance with YMCA policies and procedures, lifeguards will ensure safe and quality program operations that promotes the five core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith as well as upholds our service standards of welcoming, connecting, supporting, and inviting. Regardless of primary assignment, this position is expected to rotate between all YMCA pool locations. EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES Maintains constant and vigilant surveillance of the pool area and remains free of distractions while on the stand. Participates in ongoing training in visual surveillance and hazard detection. Be a positive YMCA role model for the entire aquatics program by modeling: The YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility & Faith The YMCA service standards: We Welcome, We Connect, We Support, We Invite Knows and reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the “safe-in-six” model; completes related reports as required. Responds to challenges with possible solutions in a timely manner. Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area. Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others. Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state health department code. Performs equipment checks and reports equipment issues and/or shortages to supervisor. Checks the pool for hazardous conditions upon arrival, including but not limited to water clarity, temperature, lighting, and/or on-deck hazards. Performs chemical testing when not guarding, as required, and notifies on-call supervisor as needed. Attends all mandatory staff meetings and trainings as required, and regularly achieves four hours of skill practice per month with continued exposure to drowning scenarios. Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants, and fellow staff. When not on active surveillance duty, assists with maintaining pool and deck cleanliness as well as other duties as needed. Meets attendance and punctuality requirements as outlined in the department handbook. Ensures a strong focus on character development and diversity, equity and inclusion throughout programming. Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley. SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 3 Positions Position 1: SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA Part-Time, Non-Exempt Saturday 6:00 -10:00 am Sunday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Availability to substitute evenings $15.00 per hour Position 2: Northeast Family YMCA Part-Time, Non-Exempt Saturday 1:30 - 4:00 pm Availability to substitute evenings $15.00 per hour Position 3: Northeast Family YMCA Part-Time, Non-Exempt Saturday 1:45 - 5:45 pm Availability to substitute evenings $15.00 per hour *Candidates will be contacted by email* Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between sites as needed. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum age of 15 years old required. Certifications required upon hire: Basic Life Support, Basic First Aid, Emergency Use of Medical Oxygen, and YMCA Lifeguard (or ARC). Training provided prior to hiring. If ARC certified, YMCA Lifeguard crossover course to be completed within 120 days. Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness. Praesidium Academy trainings. YMCA’s I Hear You: Service with CARE and Redwood’s The Professional Lifeguard e-learnings to be completed within 120 days . Must demonstrate lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards. Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations. Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others. The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you. FREE TRAINING AVAILABLE! If you do not currently meet the certification requirement, we are offering the following courses: CROSSOVER CLASS (for those currently certified as Ellis or Red Cross): No class available at this time FULL CLASS (for those with no current lifeguard certification): Day 1: 1/22 - 3:00 - 8:00 pm Day 2: 1/23 - 3:00 - 8:00 pm Day 3: 1/24 - 12:00 - 5:00 pm Day 4: 1/29 - 3:00 - 8:00 pm Day 5: 1/30 - 3:00 - 8:00 pm THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO WORKING AT THE Y: ALL STAFF BENEFITS: Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers Employee Crisis Fund Employee Assistance Program Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers Tickets At Work Discount Program 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org. FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS: Free Family Membership 3 Paid Floating Holidays 10.5 Paid Holidays Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type Short-Term Disability Program Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications PART TIME STAFF BENEFITS: Free individual Membership Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category 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. OUR COMMITMENT TO BELONGING The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith — they guide everything we do. OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care. You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by: Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor. Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children. Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor. Complete all child abuse prevention training as required. The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility

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