Deck Lead

City of Kitchener; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kitchener seeks a Deck Lead to oversee aquatic programs at Forest Heights Pool. This temporary role runs October 2026 to June 2027, with a 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

shift, Monday to Friday. You will supervise staff, enforce safety policies, and deliver swimming lessons, Aquafit, and other water activities. Requirements include a minimum Grade 12, at least 1 year of related experience, and current Lifeguard, National Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Aquatic Supervisor, Aqua Fitness, and Standard

Qualifications

• Minimum Grade 12 diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of related experience.
• Current Lifeguard certification and Lifesaving Society certifications as required.

Responsibilities

• Instruct aquatic classes using established methods and Lifesaving Society standards.
• Monitor swimmers and enforce policies, rules, and safety procedures.
• Provide CPR and First Aid and use safety/rescue equipment when needed.
• Prepare lesson plans, evaluate performance, and maintain attendance records.
• Communicate students’ progress to parents/caregivers and supervise pool staff.

Skills

Staff supervision

Safety enforcement

Lesson instruction

Water safety

Education

Grade 12 diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Deck Leads are responsible for delivering a variety of aquatic programs, including swimming lessons, Aquafit, and other water-based activities. They ensure the safe operation of the pool by supervising the pool area, enforcing safety policies and procedures, and providing leadership to the pool staff. Their role is crucial in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all pool users. This position is temporary from approximately October 2026 to June 2027. This position is located at Forest Heights Pool and the shift is Monday to Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Instruct assigned aquatic classes using established teaching methodology and procedures and by the governing body’s (Lifesaving Society) standards.
• Provides preliminary screening of patrons to establish water safety level.
• Monitors the activities of swimmers; explains and ensures policies, procedures, rules, and regulations are followed.
• Prepares swimming lesson plans according to established procedures, evaluates performance and maintains records of performance, attendance and report cards.
• Communicates students’ performance and progress to parents/caregivers. Inspects and prepares equipment for use in programs.
• Monitors the activities of swimmers; explains and ensures policies, rules, and regulations are followed. Warns swimmers of improper activities or hazards.
• Rescues people in distress or danger of drowning when indicated; provides CPR and First Aid and uses safety/rescue equipment.
• Provides preliminary screening of patrons to establish water safety level.
• Maintains records and completes required reports. Notifies supervisor of any accidents, rescues, or problems that have arisen.
• Ensure that the equipment is in place, operational, and stored away after use.
• Conducts routine change room checks.
• Completes opening/closing safety checklists.
• Provide directions and feedback to pool staff and volunteers regarding work-related matters
• Organizes pool space to balance the needs of concurrent programming. Ensures appropriate program set-up/take-down.
• Enforces water safety rules and regulations; performs rescues; performs first aid and resuscitation.
• Ensures compliance with Ontario Health Regulations and other relevant legislation and with City policies and procedures.
• Provides directions to pool staff; ensures the Occupational Health and Safety Act, its regulations, and other related legislation is followed.
• Notifies supervisor about staff performance problems. Respond to inquiries and resolve complaints. Reports escalated issues to the coordinator.
• Leads actions of pool staff in a medical emergency, including immediate response and completion of accident reports.
• Implement heat response plan as required.
• Deals with and resolves last-minute pool staffing issues (e.g., staff changes, adjusting programs).
• Assists supervisor in identifying and implementing staff training.
• Provides information related to all aspects of aquatic programming to parents, participants and pool staff.
• Open and closes facility. Completes safety check record. Determines if equipment and facility/pool is safe to use.
• Inform facilitates management team of pool maintenance needs (e.g., cleaning, chemical adjustments, and repairs). Including pool water quality checks and records management.
• Ensure pool equipment is in good working order and identifies when equipment needs replacement or repair.
• In collaboration with administrative staff on duty, it leads the aquatic team response during facility related emergencies.
• Adjusts programs accordingly and manages customer service concerns.
• Completes incident/accident/fouling reports as required.
• Performs maintenance duties, including but not restricted to pool chemistry tests and pool fouling clean-up.
• Support coverage of admission desk
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

• Minimum Grade 12 diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of related experience.

Additional Requirements

• Provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector check at your own expense as a condition of employment.
• Current Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard Certification.
• Current Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor Certification.
• Current Lifesaving Society Instructor Certification.
• Completion of Aquatic Supervisor Certification.
• Completion of Aqua Fitness Certification.
• Valid Standard First Aid Certificate and CPR.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Excellent problem-solving and de-escalation skills to address concerns or complaints.
• Exemplary customer service skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to provide leadership to all staff on site in case of an emergency, utilizing emergency procedures.
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.