Lifeguard/Instructor - Part Time

YMCA of Three Rivers; Stratford; On-site; CAD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Program discounts

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Job summary

The YMCA of Three Rivers in Stratford–Perth Region is seeking part-time, permanent staff to run safe and engaging aquatic programs. Starting hourly rate is $19.00, with day and weekend availability required. Multiple vacancies and an anticipated October 2026 start offer opportunities to join a supportive community.

Qualifications include lifeguard and aquatic safety certifications, plus a passion for youth and inclusive service. Benefits include a comprehensive rewards package and member perks.

Qualifications

• You are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all.
• You bring a passion for working with youth and supporting diverse needs with sensitivity and care.
• You have strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and communicate effectively with staff, members, and pool patrons.
• You hold current certifications in lifeguarding and aquatic safety (National Lifeguard, Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED, Swim Instructor).

Responsibilities

• Create an enthusiastic, inclusive, and safe aquatic environment for all participants, members, and staff.
• Enforce rules and lifeguarding standards to foster safety and prevent accidents.
• Deliver high-quality swim instruction to diverse groups, following the established curriculum.
• Provide motivation and constructive feedback to participants and guardians, with timely progress reports.
• Build strong relationships and communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, participants, and members.
• Respond confidently to emergencies using training.
• Set up and take down equipment, ensuring safety and readiness.
• Maintain all required certifications to support a safe aquatic experience.

Skills

Inclusive environment

Interpersonal skills

Lifeguard standards

Swim instruction

Customer service

Job description

Location:Stratford Family YMCA, Stratford-Perth Region

Work Hours: Daytime and weekend availability required

Employment Type:Part Time, Permanent

Number of Vacancies:Multiple vacancies

Anticipated Start Date: October 2026

Deadline to Apply: October 16th, 2026

Starting Hourly Rate: $19.00

Total Rewards Package:

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work

At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Part-time team members start with:

Vacation earnings of 4% on each pay (Increases to 6% after 5 years of continuous employment)

3 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

• A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services
• Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services

Role Overview:

Who we are…

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and valueshere.

We strive to be a great place to work for all employees to live in purpose, passion and potential Shine!

This is where you come in.

What you will do…

• You will create an enthusiastic, inclusive, and safe aquatic environment for all participants, members, and staff.
• Foster safety by enforcing all rules and lifeguarding standards, maintaining order in designated areas to prevent accidents.
• Deliver high-quality swim instruction to diverse groups of all abilities, following the established curriculum.
• Provide motivation, encouragement, and constructive feedback to participants and their guardians, and submit timely, well-written progress reports.
• Build strong relationships and communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, participants, and members.
• Respond confidently to emergencies using best practices learned through training.
• Set up and take down recreational, program, and lifesaving equipment, ensuring it is safe and in good repair.
• Maintain all required certifications to support a safe and professional aquatic experience.

What you will bring…

• You are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all.
• You bring a passion for working with youth and supporting diverse needs with sensitivity and care.
• You have strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and communicate effectively with staff, members, and pool patrons.
• You hold current certifications in:
  • National Lifeguard
  • Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED
  • Swim Instructor
  • Additional certifications such as aquatic fitness or advanced instructor credentials are considered assets.

Additional Information:

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Child and Youth

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision‑making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

We embrace the values of Justice, Access, Inclusion Diversity and Equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender‑diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign‑born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.

Studies have shown that women and people of equity deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting. We understand the knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined.

Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws. We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information‑handling practices that are in keeping with privacy laws. Please visit ourwebsitefor more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page .