Lifeguard and Instructor

YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick; Saint John; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

YMCA membership

Complimentary uniform

Job summary

The YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick in Saint John is seeking a Lifeguard & Swim Instructor to create a safe, welcoming aquatic environment. You will supervise swimmers, deliver lessons, and ensure health and safety while following curriculum and YMCA policies.

This casual, flexible role offers morning, day, evening and weekend shifts, opportunities to develop professionally, and a supportive team dedicated to inclusion and community wellbeing.

Qualifications

• 15 years of age or older.
• Current National Lifeguard – Pool certification.
• Valid Standard First Aid & CPR-C with AED.
• YMCA, Red Cross, or Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor certification preferred.
• Previous lifeguarding, swim instruction, customer service, or aquatic experience is asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide friendly, professional customer service to members, participants, and staff.
• Maintain constant surveillance of the pool and enforce safety procedures.
• Respond to emergencies with first aid and CPR within training scope.
• Plan and lead swimming lessons per participant level and curriculum.
• Complete cleaning and facility duties to maintain a safe environment.
• Record participant progress and maintain logs and reports.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Safety

Relationship Building and Collab

Self-Management

Sensitivity

Sense of Community

Job description

The YMCA Southwestern New Brunswick is working hard to address the critical issue’s facing the region; the health crisis, population decline, youth outmigration and child poverty. At the Y, we are striving to build a diverse and inclusive community where each person is valued for the unique perspectives and contributions they bring.

The Y offers a diverse set of programs at 20 locations in the city and surrounding municipalities. We are a community of 475 employees and 500 volunteers. If you don’t have a Y story yet – now is your opportunity to get involved. We invite you to come see what the power of belonging can do for you, your career and your community.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a Lifeguard & Swim Instructor, you’ll play a critical role in creating a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and fun aquatic environment for our community. Working closely with the Aquatics Supervisor and other aquatic staff, you’ll ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in and around the pool while delivering high-quality, values-driven swim lessons.

Whether you’re vigilantly supervising swimmers, teaching structured swimming lessons, maintaining a clean and safe pool environment, or responding to an emergency, your work will directly contribute to the safety, health, and positive experience of our members and participants.

Each day will involve monitoring the pool area, providing effective supervision, guiding swimmers through their lessons, maintaining program and participant records, completing assigned cleaning and facility duties, and responding appropriately during emergencies. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to safety will help ensure that everyone feels welcome, safe, and supported in the aquatic environment.

This is a casual position, with opportunities for flexible shifts, including early mornings, days, evenings, and weekends.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Lifeguarding & Pool Safety

• Maintain constant and effective surveillance of the pool and surrounding aquatic areas, ensuring the safety of all participants and enforcing facility rules and safety procedures.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies, providing emergency care, resuscitation, first aid, and other lifesaving interventions within the scope of training and certification.
• Conduct required safety, equipment, and facility checks before, during, and after aquatic operations.
• Identify and address potential hazards in and around the pool and report maintenance, safety, or facility concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Ensure emergency equipment, rescue equipment, and other required safety equipment are present, accessible, and in proper working condition.
• Maintain a professional and proactive approach to preventative lifeguarding and participant safety.
• Complete accident, incident, and other required reports accurately and promptly.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when dealing with participant, member, and staff information.
• Communicate safety concerns, incidents, participant concerns, and operational issues to the Aquatics Supervisor, Head Lifeguard, or designated staff member.

Swim Instruction

• Plan and lead swimming lessons appropriate to the participant's age, ability, and program level.
• Follow the YMCA's swimming lesson curriculum, teaching standards, policies, and procedures.
• Provide instruction that promotes swimming skills, water safety, confidence, and participant development.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for participants of all ages and abilities.
• Monitor and assess participant progress and provide appropriate feedback to participants and their families.
• Maintain accurate participant records, progress sheets, attendance records, report cards, and Daily Logs as required.
• Modify activities and instruction when appropriate to accommodate different learning styles, abilities, and participant needs.
• Communicate participant concerns or significant progress concerns to the appropriate supervisor.

Cleaning & Facility Duties

• Complete assigned cleaning duties and facility cleaning checklists as required throughout the shift.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming pool deck, change room, washroom, storage, and aquatic program areas.
• Clean and sanitize equipment, high-touch surfaces, and other assigned areas in accordance with YMCA procedures.
• Complete opening, closing, and end-of-shift cleaning duties as assigned.
• Properly store equipment and supplies after use and maintain organized storage areas.
• Report cleaning, maintenance, plumbing, ventilation, or facility concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Complete other routine pool and facility chores as required to support safe and effective operations.

Equipment & Program Operations

• Set up and take down equipment for swimming lessons, aquatic programs, and other activities as required.
• Ensure program and rescue equipment is safe and in good working condition.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment and remove unsafe equipment from circulation when appropriate.
• Assist with special aquatic events, programs, evaluations, and activities as required.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-services, training sessions, evaluations, and professional development opportunities.
• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, emergency procedures, health and safety requirements, and applicable aquatic standards.

EXPECTED RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide friendly, professional, and respectful customer service to members, participants, parents/guardians, volunteers, and other YMCA staff.
• Build positive relationships with participants and their families while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Work cooperatively with lifeguards, instructors, supervisors, volunteers, and other YMCA staff.
• Support a welcoming and inclusive environment where all participants feel respected and valued.
• Attend all scheduled shifts and follow the YMCA's established procedures for reporting absences and requesting or arranging shift coverage.
• Perform other reasonable duties related to aquatic operations as assigned.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 15 years of age or older.
• Current National Lifeguard – Pool certification.
• Valid Standard First Aid & CPR-C with AED.
• YMCA, Red Cross, or Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor certification preferred.
• Previous lifeguarding, swim instruction, customer service, or aquatic experience is considered an asset.
• Availability to work a minimum of 4 shifts per month.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent observational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and make sound decisions during emergency and high-pressure situations.
• Strong commitment to safety, cleanliness, inclusion, and customer service.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of lifeguarding and swim instruction, including entering the water and performing rescues when required.
• Employment is contingent on a clean Criminal Record Check.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional, and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement.
• Creativity and Innovation: Develop new ways or adapt existing ideas to help us achieve desired results.
• Relationship Building and Collaboration: Builds positive interaction both internally and externally to achieve work-related goals.
• Self-Management: Works independently with minimal supervision.
• Sensitivity: Ability to develop an appreciation for the challenges of our clientele and display needed patience and resourcefulness.
• Sense of Community: Demonstrates an awareness and understanding of community and responds to identified needs.
• Teamwork: Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• As a YMCA staff person, your hours of work and location may be adjusted due to programming needs. There is no guarantee of the number of hours worked within a work week.
• The YMCA has a Joint Health and Safety Committee which meets every month to discuss health and safety within the workplace. Questions or concerns about your workplace must be brought forward to committee members.
• In this role, you will be required to work in an environment which is often busy with high levels of noise.
• As a YMCA staff, you are responsible for your own travel to and from work.
• You are responsible for the member/client’s safety daily. You will be required to perform first aid and CPR when and if necessary and you are certified to do so.
• You will be responsible to follow and abide by YMCA Canada National Experience Program.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Professional Development: Ongoing training and skill-building opportunities.
• Perks: YMCA individual membership benefit.
• Supportive Environment: Work with a team that values growth and career progression.
• Complimentary uniform

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT

We value the unique perspectives and contributions of each individual and are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workforce.

DUTY TO ACCOMMODATE

The YMCA is committed to creating inclusive and accessible environments for all. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the application or employment process, we encourage you to let us know so we can ensure equitable opportunities for all.