About Aquatic Pathways Program

The Aquatics Workforce Development Pathway program is a paid internship that provides leadership opportunities for teens and young adults in our community to help them gain experience, build relationships with peers, and support the community-based work the YMCA of SF provides, through job placements.

They will gain the technical skills needed to be able to work as lifeguards.

Participants will work on building up their swimming skills & receive the necessary certifications:

  • Lifeguarding
  • CPR for the professional rescuer
  • Basic First Aid
  • Oxygen Administration
  • Foundations of Youth Development

Skills learned through these programs, though most directly and immediately relates to aquatics are transferable skills that can be used as a stepping stone for numerous careers in health care, recreation, emergency response, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to build connections among participants, within the YMCA of SF, and to create a positive experience that will motivate young people to grow professionally and develop fulfilling careers that uplift our community.

Program Qualifications & Dates

Program participation and training are paid at $21/hour. 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 16 – 18 years old
    • Must be 16 by the last day of the training
    • Those under 18 years old must have a work permit before program starts.
  • No lifeguard or aquatics experience is necessary
  • Basic Water Comfortability (Preferred)
    All applicants will meet with an aquatic professional prior to enrolling in this program to gauge where their comfortability in the water is at. Throughout the program, we will work to strengthen swimming skills so that participants are able to complete the required physical competency needed for their lifeguard certification

 

Fall 2024 Cohort Currently Underway

Next Cohort will be Spring 2025

Days: Monday 5:00-7:00p
Wednesdays 4:00-7:00p
Saturdays 10:00a-6:00p

If interested, please see our linktree for current applications and interest forms.

LINKTREE FOR APPLICATIONS

 

Meet Our Staff

Jessica Kravin

Director Of Workforce Development

jkravin@ymcasf.org

Alyssa Zwingman

Associate Executive Director

azwingman@ymcasf.org