Day Camp Head Lifeguard

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic Day Camp team, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

Day Camp Head Lifeguards are responsible for the safety and supervision of all aquatic programs, including recreational swimming and canoeing or kayaking, depending on the site. The role provides direct leadership to Lifeguards and Program Leads and ensures proper setup, safety checks, and maintenance of program equipment and environments. The role oversees safety and supervision during program delivery, as well as cleanup and takedown of equipment. 

 In this role, you will:

• Work with the Aquatic Coordinator to ensure the pool is properly set up with all paperwork and safety equipment required to meet YMCA of Greater Toronto regulations and provincial standards


• Provide leadership and coaching to Lifeguards


• Manage the pool and waterfront area to ensure appropriate allocation of space for participants


• Complete a safety check of lifesaving equipment prior to each shift


• Ensure that all safety and lifeguarding procedures are followed and respond to emergencies as trained by the Lifesaving Society and YMCA


• Attend all staff trainings and meetings, arrive on time, and actively participate to contribute to the development of all camp staff


• Ensure Health and Safety procedures are followed and maintained, and contribute to the cleaning, safety, and maintenance of camp sites


• Act as a positive role model for campers and fellow staff by embodying YMCA values, policies, procedures, Day Camp guidelines, and Ontario Camping Association standards


• Perform other duties as assigned

 You bring:

• Current certifications in the following Lifesaving Society awards: National Lifeguard (NL) Award, Standard First Aid & CPR level “C”


• Minimum 1 year Lifeguard experience


• Previous experience lifeguarding and instructing swim lessons preferred


• Experience working with children preferred


• Experience working as a supervisor or Team Lead preferred


• YMCA Day Camp experience is an asset


• Pool Operator certification is an asset


• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort, including lifting up to 50 lbs. by bending, carrying, pushing, and pulling


• Demonstrated ability to work well both independently and in a team environment


• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish rapport and communicate effectively with families, staff, and volunteers


• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead a group of children


• Minimum age 18 years old by June 30


• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

What you need to succeed: 

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values


• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services


• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA? 

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here. 

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours. 

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. 

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs. 

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here. 

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview. 

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.