Employee Manual page 2

Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................4
Worker Guidelines and Responsibilities..................................................6
Work Relationships..............................................................................6
Work Environment...............................................................................6
Workplace Communication.................................................................6
While on Duty......................................................................................7
Absences.............................................................................................7
Timecards............................................................................................7
Membership Check-In Duties..............................................................7
Creating a Positive Public Image.........................................................8
Supervisor Duties................................................................................8
Supervisors will provide......................................................................8
Rules and Regulations............................................................................8
Prohibited Activities.............................................................................9
Actions not permitted in Pool Area......................................................9
Diving Area Rules................................................................................9
Pool Toys..............................................................................................9
First Aid.............................................................................................10
Lifeguards.............................................................................................10
Lifeguard Duties................................................................................10
Lifeguard Stand.................................................................................11
Care of Swim Materials......................................................................11
Swimmer Classification.....................................................................11
Lifesaving Equipment........................................................................11
Dealing with Swimmer Misconduct...................................................11
Accidents..............................................................................................12
First Aid.............................................................................................12
Emergency Plan....................................................................................12
Thunderstorm....................................................................................12
Tornado.............................................................................................12
Fire....................................................................................................13
Staff Safety...........................................................................................13

Employee Manual page 3

Introduction
The YWCA is a service-oriented organization that prides itself on ensuring that members
recreation and fitness needs are fulfilled. Employees hired at the YWCA enter into a contractual
agreement to abide by and support all policies set forth by the organization. Employees make up
the strength of this organization and all positions are important. Employees are representative of
the YWCA and their image is a direct reflection of employees actions.
This handbook is designed to

Provide an understanding of the YWCA Aquatic Center and its commitment to members.

Guide employees about their responsibilities as a YWCA employee.

Assist employees with a consistent approach to carrying out policies and procedures.

Employee Manual page 4

Organizational Flow Chart

Employee Manual page 5

Worker Guidelines and Responsibilities

Know all responsibilities and duties. Lifeguards should become adequately trained in the
area they are responsible for.

Keep certifications updated.

Poor job performance may result in lay-off or termination of duties.

Work Relationships

Maintain professional relationships with colleagues.

Keep open lines of communication.

Provide support to other employees by being a team player.

Work Environment

Eliminate gossip and judgmental accusations from conversations.

Do not let personal problems interfere with job performance or interactions with others.

Provide written and verbal feedback about suggestions, complaints, problems, and
situations to the Aquatic Director and other employees.

Workplace Communication

Be alert for messages or meetings posted on the blackboard in the guard office.

Limit personal calls to two minutes.

Have emergency number on hand, as the offices phone is tole restricted. Callers cannot
get out on 0 or 1.

Attend all staff meetings and training sessions. Meetings are mandatory and attendance
will reflect rehiring policies.

If an employee does not know the answer to a question, they shall ask and find out the
answer.

Employee Manual page 6

While on Duty

Report to designated position in pool area when classes or open swim begins.

Remain in good physical condition by swimming one mile (36 laps/72 lengths) weekly
and recording the laps on their designated sheet.

Employees shall not eat on the pool deck. Food will be kept in the office. Employees
make take a snack break when there are two or more guards on duty.

Absences
When it is necessary that a lifeguard be absent, they must complete all of the following actions:

Secure a substitute lifeguard from a list of guards in good standing.

Obtain permission to be absent from Pool Director.

If a substitute cannot be found, the employee is responsible for working their shift.

Timecards

Report to work 10-15 minutes before duty time to sign in.

Sign and turn in payroll sheet on time or face loss of pay.

Punch out on breaks.

Do not punch in more than 10 minutes early.

Membership Check-In Duties

Ask to see each persons membership card.

Take tickets and/or money.

Each swimmer must personally check in before entering pool.

Keep tally on participation slip as received for each open swim period. At end of swim
period, count total, fill in bottom, sign name, date and time, and turn into receptionist as
soon as possible after the finish of the period.

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Creating a Positive Public Image

Wear clothing that is lifeguard appropriate.

Keep desk area and pool deck clean.

Employees shall respond to questions or a members presence by smiling, nodding, or

asking if they are able to assist them.

Employees shall remain alert, courteous, and treat all members and employees with
respect.

Do not argue with a member. If a valid complaint is brought to a lifeguards attention,

they should refer them to the Aquatic Director.

Supervisor Duties

Treat employees with respect.

Respond to employees questions or concerns.

Be fair and honest.

Support employees when they are following YWCA policies.

Supervisors will provide

Employees with feedback about their performance.

Information and updates on new programs.

Supplies and materials that are essential to positive job performance.

Guidance and leadership.

Rules and Regulations

Swimmers are required to take a shower before entering the pool.
Leave towels on hooks in the locker room.
No visiting or unnecessarily talking to lifeguards or pool personnel while they are on duty.

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Prohibited Activities

Any type of behavior that is annoying to other swimmers will not be tolerated.

No rough play, shoving, or general horseplay.

No running or tag games will be allowed in the facility.

No hanging or playing on the rope division in the pool.

Actions not permitted in Pool Area

Profane language.

Alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.

Persons who participate in these actions will not be allowed near the pool.

Breakable objects.

Diving Area Rules

Only one person is allowed on the diving boards at a time.

Look before diving, dive straight, no double bounding, and swim to the nearest ladder.

No hanging on the boards.

No facemasks or goggles are allowed when jumping off the board.

No swimming in the diving area when boards are in use.

No back dives or flips off the edge of the pool.

No diving, jumping from, or hanging onto starting blocks.

Pool Toys

Children wearing floaties or using inflatable toys are restricted to the shallow end of the
pool.

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Kickboards and leg buoys are to be used for lap swims and Y teams only.

First Aid

First Aid and safety equipment will only be used by lifeguards, instructors, or personnel
on duty. They will be responsible for correct use of materials and storage of equipment.

No swimming is allowed for any persons that have skin lesions, sore or inflamed eyes, or
mouth, nose, or ear discharges.

No swimming is allowed for any persons who have any communicable diseases or have
any type of bandage or tape on the body.

Lifeguards
Accepting a lifeguard position is a tremendous responsibility that can result in injury or death if
not taken seriously. By assuming the responsibilities of a lifeguard, a person must realize that
vigilance and critical execution of the job is necessary for protecting human lives.
To be fully prepared for whatever challenges may be faced, a lifeguard shall be thoroughly
trained in swimming, livesaving measures, first aid, and familiar with this manual.
Lifeguards shall know the area they are responsible for and shall scan the pool area frequently to
pick out unusual actions that may indicate trouble.
The three areas with the highest chance for accidents are as follows: the shallow end of the pool,
the diving area, and the deck area.

Lifeguard Duties

Always face the swimmers and/or water. Resist the urge to converse socially.

Assume a posture that is conducive to quick and efficient action.

Keep rope hooked in the pool for all open swim sessions and most private parties. It is
not to be taken down until two minutes before the end of swim time.

Never leave the pool area until the next guard is on duty.

Never leave the pool unattended with swimmers in it.

Never allows swimmers to use the pool until a lifeguard or instructor can adequately
guard the pool.

Employee Manual page 10

Never swim alone in the pool.

Lifeguard Stand

Lifeguards are only allowed on the guard stand. Diving from the guard stand is
prohibited, except during an emergency.

Stand on the deck with a thorough view of the pool or remain in the chair when there are
more than 10 swimmers in the pool.

Care of Swim Materials

Hang up PFDs, rinse them off with hose, and allow them to dry before storing.

Carefully check the water quality before leaving the pool area, after each swim period.

Swimmer Classification

Inexperienced swimmers must remain in shallow water for safety reasons. Swimmers are
not permitted to advance into deep water by holding onto the sides of the pool.

Mentally classify swimmers based on their ability. Weak swimmers shall be noticed more
often by lifeguards.

Lifesaving Equipment

Know where the equipment is located prior to opening.

Tools and equipment shall be returned to their proper place as soon as they are no longer
in use.

Dealing with Swimmer Misconduct

Use whistle sparingly to alert individuals of misconduct or emergencies.

Correct individual using positive and concise language.

Give rule violator an explanation or reason for observing the rules.

Notify Pool Director if the rule violator refuses to comply. Do not argue with rule
violator.

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Accidents
Know proper procedure in case of an accident. Review procedures outlined by the American Red
Cross.
Fill out an accident report and leave it on the Directors desk.
Use rescue tube or extend the pole to help pull individuals in need to the edge of the pool. Enter
water only as a last resort.
Clear pool of swimmers in cases of serious water accidents.
Head lifeguard or Director will make out an accident report for the front office.

First Aid

Send slightly injured swimmers to swimming pool office for First Aid. Slight injury
includes skin abrasions or bruises.

If injury is more serious, call front office to call a doctor and notify the Director

Emergency Plan
Thunderstorm

Clear the pool and move swimmers to the locker rooms when thunderstorms are in the
immediate area.

No swimming during an electrical storm.

No showering during a storm.

No phone usage, except in the case of an emergency.

Tornado

Clear pool area immediately.

Move clients to locker rooms or basement, if time permits, until threat passes.

Staff should join clients in protected area when pool area is cleared.

Stay away from all windows, doors, and outside walls.

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Fire

Alert emergency officials, then evacuate pool area using one or both exits.

Lifeguards shall check locker rooms for clients before leaving themselves.

Immediate First Aid will be administered after all evacuation procedure.

Staff Safety

Enforce pool rules.

Appropriately handle all chemicals.

Utilize proper lifting techniques by using the legs, not the back to lift.

Monitor weather conditions and follow guidelines for bad weather.

Take equipment when making a swimming rescue. Follow safety procedures outlined in
accidents or emergencies.

Handle all electrical equipment with care. Follow safety guidelines.

Keep all equipment in good condition, in its designated place.

Conduct daily checks of locker rooms. Note potential hazards.

Wear gloves when treating open wounds.