The Kalona pool and Washington Community YMCA Indoor Aquatic Facility are looking for lifeguards to work the upcoming summer season.

A general shortage of employees led the YMCA to offer a $250 sign-on bonus for all summer staff. While the YMCA has received many applications since publicizing the bonus, they are still looking for more lifeguards to round out their staff roster.

The YMCA offers lifeguard certification, a free YMCA membership and competitive pay, said Amy Schulte, CEO of the YMCA of Washington County, in an email. Another certification course will likely be offered in late May, allowing individuals to apply for the position and register for the course before the summer begins.

“We offer a class whenever there is demand at the Washington Community YMCA Indoor Aquatic Facility,” said Kelby Gingerich, co-manager at the Kalona pool. “During that class, you will go over everything you need to know. It’s a two-day class, although it can be completed in one day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.”

The Kalona pool will open June 2 until mid-August, offering swim lessons, lap swim and open swim. Lifeguards generally take 15-20-minute shifts while guarding.

“Most of our lifeguards tend to work 20 hours a week, but it all depends on everyone else’s schedule,” said Chloe Staley, membership director at the Wellman Parkside YMCA and co-manager of the Kalona Pool.

The certification course includes CPR, AED and first aid certification. To work as a YMCA lifeguard, applicants must pass a lifeguard test, which includes a 300-yard swim, treading for two minutes without using your arms and retrieving a weighted brick from the bottom of the pool.

“Being a lifeguard helps you learn important life skills that you can use inside the pool and out in real life,” said Staley.

Swim lessons are offered at the Kalona pool throughout the entire season. There are group lessons, which usually include four students per lifeguard, and private lessons that are one-on-one. Group lessons are generally held before and/or after the general pool hours.

“We accept any person, any age to come learn how to swim, no judgement,” said Gingerich.

The Kalona pool is open for open swim from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Lap swim is offered from 12-1 p.m. for adults (18 years of age or older).

In addition to lifeguards, the Washington and Kalona pools are also looking for admissions and concessions staff.

For more information about job opportunities, swim lessons or either pool, call the YMCA of Washington County at 319-653-2141 or visit washingtony.org.