Lifeguard Jobs

Ready for meaningful work? We’re hiring lifeguards to watch over the safety of children and families in our pools and become leaders in all areas of our nonprofit mission: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With lifeguards all over the greater Kansas City area—from Atchison to Olathe, Bonner to North Kansas City and everything in between—there’s a convenient location near you. Plus, the Y provides FREE lifeguard training and certification to qualified lifeguard candidates.

For a limited time, we are offering a Sign-On Bonus of $150 for Lifeguards and Swim Instructors.

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Why Become a Lifeguard at the Y?

Lifeguarding at the Y is an opportunity to make an impact helping others. The Y is a nonprofit in Kansas City that strengthens our community, and our lifeguards are a big part of our mission. It’s a great personal and professional development opportunity for you, too. Lifeguarding is a fulfilling part-time job or full-time job, and it also can lead to a career.

Lifeguarding at the Y can jumpstart your career

You can grow into jobs like swim instructor, head lifeguard and aquatics director. Or, your experience can even be the first steps into personal fitness or health care careers. Countless people from all walks of life started their careers as a lifeguard. That’s because you learn great things, like being a mentor and educating others about skills that could one day save their life. Plus, you’re part of team, a member of the Y family that comes together to help others in need and make our community a better place.

Training is provided

In addition to offering discounted lifeguard certification classes to qualified candidates, the Y also provides many training and educational programs to help build skills you need for your future. Trainings cover topics such as leadership, diversity and inclusion and fiscal management. You also may receive reduced college tuition through accredited online Capella University*.

Future employers respect the Y

When future employers see the Y on your resume, they think of a nonprofit organization with local impact that’s part of a national and international network that’s existed for more than 175 years. We have a reputation for hiring good people who do great things.

Free Y membership

When you work for the Y, you’ll enjoy the perks of being a Y member including access to all 11 Y centers and discounts on programs, child care and summer day camp.

The job is designed with your schedule in mind

Part-time and full-time positions are available, making lifeguarding jobs at the Y ideal for students and non-students alike. From early morning hours to evening hours and everything in between, lifeguarding jobs at the Y can easily fit around your school, family or other commitments, and give you time to explore other passions.

The best co-workers ever

As a lifeguard, you’ll work among others who share a mission of creating a safe environment for children, adults and families to enjoy swimming and water exercise. Plus, the Y is a great place to make new lifelong friends that share a desire to help others and make our community a better place.

Great “back to work” job

Lifeguarding is also a great way to come back to working, to stay active and engaged in your community, all with great pay and benefits. Maybe you are post retirement but want to stay active. Or maybe you’re just looking for something that is flexible but fulfilling. Working at the Y brings so many opportunities to engage with others, get involved in your community and even learn and grow your personal and professional skills.

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Free Lifeguard Certification

Need to get or renew your lifeguard certification? The Y offers classes each month. Plus, the Y provides FREE lifeguard training and certification to qualified lifeguard candidates - a $250 value.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age to be a Y Lifeguard?

Lifeguards must be at least 16 years of age to be considered, but it can be a great fit at any stage of life, whether you are just starting to work or looking for meaningful work to fit around family schedules or to help you stay active in retirement.

Do you have to already by certified to become a lifeguard at the Y?

You do not have to be certified before being hired by the Y, but all Y lifeguards are required to be certified. The Y provides FREE lifeguard training and certification to qualified lifeguard candidates. View the lifeguard training schedule and register online.

What are the physical qualifications?

Y lifeguards must meet the following qualifications:

Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
Complete a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. Candidates should not swim the distance under water.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Shallow Water Lifeguards must meet the following qualifications:

Swim 100 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles are allowed.
Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs. Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.
Complete a timed event within 50 seconds.
- Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using the front crawl or breaststroke. The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles are not allowed.
- Submerge to a depth of 4 to 5 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
- Return to the surface and walk or swim 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point with both hands holding the object at the surface of the water.
- Exit the water without using a ladder or steps.

Why work at the Y?

Additionally, Y benefits include availability of health insurance, ability to establish a retirement plan based on your salary with no requirement for you to contribute, training, professional development and competitive pay.

Meet Alyssa, Y Lifeguard

Equal Opportunity Employer

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Protected Veteran and committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization.