Waterfront Team Lead

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario; Spanish; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Paid personal/sick days

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Job summary

YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s John Island Camp in Ontario seeks a Waterfront Team Lead to plan, guide and supervise all waterfront activities, prioritizing safety and camper engagement.

This full-time contract role starts May 1, 2026 at YMCA John Island Camp, with a pay rate of $18.00–$19.50 per hour, and offers opportunities to lead staff training and deliver high-quality programs in a community-driven setting.

Qualifications

• Requires NL certification and current lifeguard qualifications, with 250+ hours of direct waterfront experience.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience at camps or outdoor centers; strong safety awareness.
• Experience planning, facilitating, and instructing waterfront programs in overnight camps.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; staff supervision and resource management.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead waterfront activities: swimming, sailing, windsurfing, paddling, canoeing, and kayaking.
• Ensure safety and well‑being of all staff and participants in waterfront programs.
• Supervise waterfront staff and support their training and development.
• Manage waterfront equipment and program resources.
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to deliver high-quality experiences for campers.
• Adhere to YMCA, John Island Camp policies and guidelines.

Skills

Lifeguarding

Waterfront supervision

Staff training

Program leadership

Job description

We are currently looking for a Waterfront Team Lead to join our team of committed professionals. This Full-time Contract position within the Association is housed at the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario’s John Island Camp location near Spanish, Ontario.

Under the leadership of the Program Manager and Director of John Island Camp, the Waterfront Team Lead is responsible for all waterfront activities at camp. They plan, prepare, and lead programs in swimming, sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking, ensuring the safety and well-being of all staff and participants. The Waterfront Team Lead supervises waterfront staff, manages equipment and program resources, and works to provide a high-quality, engaging, and fun experience for all campers.

START DATE: May 1, 2026

LOCATION: YMCA John Island Camp

RATE OF PAY: $18.00-$19.50

Major Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and lead all waterfront activities, including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all staff and participants in waterfront programs
• Supervise waterfront staff and support their training and development
• Manage waterfront equipment and program resources
• Collaborate with the Program Manager to deliver high-quality, engaging, and fun experiences for all campers
• Adhere to OCA, YMCA and John Island Camp policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Other duties as assigned by the Association

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working at summer camps or outdoor centres
• Experienced in lifeguarding and waterfront duties, with at least 250 hours of direct experience
• Hold a current National Lifeguard (NL) certification (dated within two years of the start date)
• Knowledgeable of applicable government regulations, OCA standards, and other guidelines governing waterfront operations
• Experience planning, facilitating, and instructing waterfront programs in an overnight camp setting
• Experience supervising staff in a waterfront environment and ensuring the safety of all participants
• Skilled in risk management related to waterfront programs
• Proficient in swimming, canoeing, and sea kayaking instruction
• Knowledgeable in waterfront safety and emergency procedures, including rescue of capsized canoes and sea kayaks, and operation of a rescue boat
• Ability to facilitate staff training sessions for all waterfront staff
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills
• Current and satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening

Benefits

As a charity and community-based organization, we know how important connection and wellness is, and we offer a workplace that invests in people. We provide:

• Free YMCA membership + 10% off family membership
• Paid personal/sick days
• Employee & Family Assistance Program with counselling, coaching, legal + financial supports
• Mileage reimbursement
• Team events + staff recognition
• Learning & development opportunities
• Explore different YMCA roles and career paths

CAMP EQUITABLE EMPLOYMENT FUND

The Camp Equitable Employment Fund (CEEF) is a grant created to reduce barriers to camp employment for individuals who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented in the camping industry.

The fund is open to Canadians, ages 18 to 25, who are a part of a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities. Ideal candidates will have previous experience, or a demonstrated interest, in working with youth. Camp-specific experience is not required.

Successful applicants will receive financial assistance to offset the personal expenses of working in the outdoor industry. This could include: certification courses, personal gear, equipment and travel costs.

Funding will be awarded to successful applicants across Canada in the order received and based upon available funding. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply for funding as soon as possible after applying for employment at camp.

If you have any questions about the Camp Equitable Employment Fund, please contact [e-mail]