YMCA Camp Greenway - Lead Lifeguard

This program supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Specialty Lead Counselor supports the daily operations of their assigned program area at Hampton’s Camp Greenway. This role provides leadership to campers and counselors, helps plan and lead engaging activities, and ensures a safe, positive, and well-organized camp experience. Specialty Lead Counselors are hands-on leaders who model positive behavior, support staff, and help campers feel safe, included, and engaged throughout the camp day.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Aquatics Safety & Supervision
• Supervise all pool-based aquatic activities including swim evaluations, free swim, swim lessons, and structured water activities.
• Maintain strict safety protocols in accordance with YMCA, Camp Greenway, and industry standards.
• Enforce pool rules and water safety policies consistently.
• Monitor swimmer behavior and ability and intervene proactively to prevent unsafe situations.
• Perform water rescues and administer first aid as needed.
• Assess pool conditions and initiate the Emergency Action Plan when required.
• Conduct routine inspections of the pool, deck, and safety equipment.
• Complete required safety checks, incident reports, and documentation.
• Leadership & Staff Oversight
• Provide day-to-day leadership and support to lifeguard staff.
• Assist with scheduling, coverage, and rotation of lifeguards during swim periods.
• Serve as a point of contact for lifeguards during the camp day.
• Model professional behavior, strong scanning techniques, and YMCA values.
• Support onboarding, training reinforcement, and ongoing skill development for lifeguards.
• Communicate concerns, incidents, or staffing needs to Camp Leadership in a timely manner.
• Work closely with camp counselors and leadership to support smooth transitions to and from the pool.
• Assist in maintaining a calm, organized pool environment for campers and staff.
• Support camp-wide activities and special events involving aquatics as needed.
• Attend all required Lifeguard In-Service Trainings.
• Complete all YMCA abuse prevention and risk management trainings.
• Adhere to procedures related to supervising campers in aquatic and other high-risk activity areas.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follow all mandated child abuse reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Camp leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Current Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid/AED certifications required.
• Previous lifeguarding experience required; leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Prior experience working with children preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Calm, attentive, and reliable with the ability to lead by example.
• Ability to handle sensitive, confidential information.
• Must be able to complete YMCA required trainings as scheduled by management.
• Must successfully clear FBI and state criminal background checks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain alert for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to push, pull, bend, kneel, and respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to work outdoors for the entire shift, regardless of weather.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule throughout the camp season

Southern District YMCA is an Equal Opportunities employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of SDYMCA to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or genetic information.