Lifeguard (Full-time)

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Halifax; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

John W. Lindsay YMCA in Halifax is seeking a Full-Time Lifeguard Team Lead to supervise on-deck operations, maintain a safe aquatic environment, and mentor staff. The role emphasizes emergency response, program delivery, and strong guest service. Strong communication and a commitment to YMCA values are essential.

Candidates should hold a National Lifeguard Certificate (NLS) and First Aid/CPR; bilingual abilities are a plus. This is a full-time on-site position at the Halifax YMCA facility.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years lifeguarding experience.
• National Lifeguard Certificate (NLS) required.
• First Aid/CPR certification as standard.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Bilingualism is a valuable asset.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, welcoming aquatic environment for all members and guests.
• Lead lifeguards and aquatic staff during shifts as on-deck supervisor.
• Respond quickly to emergencies with proper rescue and first aid.
• Mentor lifeguards and swim instructors to uphold high standards.
• Conduct regular safety checks of aquatic areas and equipment.
• Model YMCA values and The Y Way in daily interactions.
• Support additional duties to strengthen aquatics operations.

Skills

Lifeguarding

First Aid/CPR

Communication

Customer Service

Teamwork

Flexible hours

Bilingual (asset)

Education

National Lifeguard Certificate (NLS)

Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor / Red Cross WSI (asset)

YMCA Swim Instruction experience (asset)

Job description

Title: Full-Time Lifeguard
Position Status: Full-Time
Wage: $18.67 - $20.67 per hour
Location: John W. Lindsay YMCA

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

The Opportunity

As a Lifeguard (Team Lead) is an on-deck leadership role responsible for helping to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive aquatic environment where everyone feels they belong. This position provides active lifeguarding supervision while supporting the coordination of daily aquatic operations and guiding lifeguards and aquatic staff during shifts. The Team Lead helps ensure safety procedures, YMCA policies, and program standards are followed, while responding effectively to emergencies and supporting the delivery of high-quality aquatic experiences.

Through positive leadership, collaboration, and strong member service, the Full-Time Lifeguard (Team Lead) builds strong relationships with members, participants, volunteers, and colleagues, helping to strengthen the foundation of community. This role models the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and inclusiveness and demonstrates the principles of The Y Way by fostering a culture where staff and members feel welcome, supported, and connected.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive aquatic environment for all YMCA members, participants, and guests through vigilant lifeguarding, active supervision, and a commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.
• Provide leadership and support to lifeguards and aquatic staff during shifts, serving as the on-deck lead and fostering a collaborative, respectful team environment.
• Actively models YMCA Service Delivery Standards “The Y Way” by:
  • Consistently acknowledge members who are waiting for service, ask questions to determine what they need, and provide support
  • Proactively observing members throughout the facility and offering help to those who may appear confused, uncomfortable, or in need of support
  • Following the 5/10 Rule: when supervising program spaces or circulating throughout the centre, staff acknowledge all members within 10 feet with eye contact and a nod or smile, and within 5 feet with a verbal greeting
  • Consistently take pride in keeping workspaces clean, safe, and organized, while completing all cleaning checklists as part of daily routines.
  • Ensuring program areas are well maintained, including returning unused equipment to its proper location and leaving spaces clean and orderly.
  • Actively tidying common areas while circulating through the facility (e.g., removing garbage, addressing water on floors or counters, closing open locker doors). Any issues that cannot be immediately resolved are reported to the facilities team, supervisor, or cleaning manager
• Respond quickly and effectively to aquatic emergencies, performing rescues and providing first aid, CPR, and emergency care in accordance with YMCA safety standards and procedures.
• Support the training, mentoring, and development of lifeguards and swim instructors, helping to build a strong, confident team that delivers safe, high-quality aquatic experiences.
• Conduct regular safety checks of aquatic areas and equipment to help ensure a safe environment and promptly address or report potential hazards.
• Model and promote the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and belonging, and demonstrate The Y Way through positive interactions with members, participants, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the effective operation of the Aquatics Department and the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of community.

Qualifications & Skills

• 1-3 years of lifeguarding experience
• National Lifeguard Certificate (NLS)
• Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor, Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification, or YMCA Swim Instruction experience are assets
• Demonstrated safety conscious mindset and Standard First Aid/CPR certification
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Bilingual or multilingual considered a significant asset
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to work irregular hours as required

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender‑diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign‑born residents, and veterans to apply.