Guard jobs in Canada

Aquatic staff at the City are the heart of the in-water services and programs we offer. You are motivated, you work hard, and you like to have fun. You will play an important part in providing the kids and families we work with an unforgettable experience as you deliver our aquatic programs. Create your own amazing work experience when you join our team. Make new friends, learn new skills and enjoy a new adventure every day – we promise, it will be something to remember.

Why join our team?

• Develop your leadership and customer service skills
• Opportunities for advancement and growth
• Flexible work schedules - work at one or a combination of locations
• Inclusive work environment
• Discounts on additional certifications/recertification
• Free access to lane swim, aquafit and fitness room

What to bring to our team

• A positive attitude
• The ability to react calmly and positively to changing environments and situations
• Enthusiasm for working with people of all ages and abilities
• Current certifications as outlined below, and willingness to complete additional certifications as required

Assistant Instructor:

As an Assistant Instructor you will teach alongside a Swim Instructor Guard during our Learn to Swim programs. You will have the opportunity to assist in the skill development of children as they learn new skills and become more confident in the water.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Assist with safety supervision, class management, and risk management during the instructional classes.
• Assist with instruction to individuals and groups in organized instructional classes. Provide clear instructions and demonstrations for swim techniques based on each swimmer's level.
• Prepare activity plans, organize equipment, teach and assist with evaluation of swim classes in accordance with the standards established by the Lifesaving Society and City of Guelph.
• Ensure compliance with Regulation 565 and City of Guelph policies and procedures including performing rescues and first aid when required.
• Ability to use critical thinking and react in an emergency which may involve first aid or a building emergency.
• Assist with special pool programs and special City of Guelph aquatic events/water safety initiatives that are held at the pool or at other locations
• Attend and participate in aquatic training sessions.
• Participate in team building with all staff.
• Complete any necessary reports and documentation associated with pool operation ie. incident reports.
• Provide professional and courteous customer service at all times, including greeting customers, answering phone calls, and assisting customers with inquiries.
• Help to maintain the pool facility by performing regulated equipment checks, cleaning and sanitization duties in accordance with Ministry of Health and City of Guelph policies.
• Ensure all aquatic qualifications remain current and on file.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and requirements

• Minimum Age: 15 years old
• Certifications: Standard First Aid with CPR C and Bronze Cross
  • Must be willing to obtain Lifesaving Society Swim and Lifesaving Instructors certifications and National Lifeguard certifications within 6 months of start date

Please Note: A Criminal Reference Check including Vulnerable Sector Check will also be required at the time of hiring.

Hours of work

• Up to 10 hours per week
• Flexible work hours are required as you may be scheduled for evening and/or weekend work

Pay Rate$17.71 per hour

Swim Instructor Guard:

As a Swim Instructor Guard you will be delivering the Lifesaving Society learn to swim programming. You will have the opportunity to teach participants from as young as four months old to seniors looking to learn how to swim. This role also allows you to continue to develop your safety supervision skills as you guard a variety of rentals and drop-in swims.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Responsible for safety supervision, class management, and risk management during the instructional classes.
• Provide instruction to individuals and groups in organized instructional classes. Provide clear instructions and demonstrations for swim techniques based on each swimmers level.
• Prepare lesson plans, organize equipment, teach and evaluate swim classes in accordance with the standards established by the Lifesaving Society and City of Guelph. Classes may also include advanced leadership courses, or aquafit programs.
• Complete all documentation related to class instruction such as but not limited to lesson plans, attendance, worksheets, and report cards.
• Perform lifeguard duties during recreational swims, user groups, and other aquatics programs.
• Ensure compliance with Regulation 565 and City of Guelph policies and procedures including performing rescues and first aid when required.
• Ability to use critical thinking and react in an emergency which may involve first aid or a building emergency.
• Assist with special pool programs and special City of Guelph aquatic events/water safety initiatives that are held at the pool or at other locations
• Attend and participate in aquatic division meetings and in-house training sessions.
• Participate in team building with all staff.
• Complete any necessary reports and documentation associated with pool operation to include but not limited to: lesson plans, report cards and test sheets, incident reports, etc.
• Provide professional and courteous customer service at all times, including greeting customers, answering phone calls, assisting customers with inquiries.
• Help to maintain the pool facility by performing regulated equipment checks, cleaning and sanitization duties in accordance with Ministry of Health and City of Guelph policies.
• Ensure all aquatic qualifications remain current and on file.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and requirements

• Standard First Aid with CPR C, Lifesaving Society Swim and Instructors, and Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard
  • Must be willing to obtain either Lifesaving Society Swim and Lifesaving Instructors or National Lifeguard certifications within 6 months of start date if not certified at time of employment

Please Note: A Criminal Reference Check including Vulnerable Sector Check will also be required at the time of hiring.

Hours of work• Up to 10 hours per week• Flexible work hours are required as you may be scheduled for daytime, evening and/or weekend work

Pay Rate$20.37 per hour

How to applyQualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by August 7, 2025. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered.

The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.