YMCA Camp Greenway - 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.

POSITION SUMMARY 

This is a seasonal role from June – August 2026 that supports the mission of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Lifeguard is responsible for overseeing all pool-based aquatic activities at Hampton’s Camp Greenway, ensuring the safety, supervision, and well-being of all campers during swim times. The Lifeguard promotes water safety, positive behavior, and engagement while providing a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable aquatic experience for all participants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• Supervise all pool-based aquatic activities including swim evaluations, swim lessons, free swim, and structured water activities for campers entering grades K–8.
• Maintain strict safety protocols for all aquatics programming in accordance with YMCA, Camp Greenway, and industry standards.
• Enforce pool rules and water safety policies and clearly communicate expectations to campers.
• Monitor swimmer behavior and ability, identifying potential safety concerns and intervening proactively.
• Administer first aid in the event of injury and perform water rescues as needed.
• Assess pool conditions for safety and initiate the Aquatic Emergency Action Plan when required.
• Conduct routine inspections of the pool area, deck, safety equipment, and supplies to ensure they are safe and operational.
• Complete required safety checks, incident reports, and documentation.
• Participate in daily set-up and end-of-day closing procedures for the pool area.
• Attend all scheduled Lifeguard In-Service Trainings.
• Complete all required 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 in accordance with YMCA protocols.
• Follow all mandated child abuse reporting requirements.
• Work collaboratively with camp counselors and leadership to support camper supervision during transitions to and from the pool.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Camp Leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Prior experience working with children preferred.
• Previous lifeguarding experience preferred.
• Patient, reliable, and attentive.
• Ability to handle sensitive, confidential information.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Positive, calm, and professional demeanor.
• Must be able to complete YMCA required trainings as scheduled by management.
• Must maintain current Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid/AED certifications (certification may be provided to successful candidates).
• 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 duration of the shift, regardless of weather.
• Ability to work varied schedules and multiple days/weeks during 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.