Head Lifeguard

Job Posting Head Lifeguard Rate of Pay: $154.75 per day plus food & accommodation Position Status: Seasonal Contract, Full time Term: June 21 st – September 4th, 2026 Reports To: Waterfront Supervisor Nature & Scope YMCA Camp Elphinstone is seeking individuals to fill the role of Head Lifeguard. The Head Lifeguard is responsible for the safety and positive experience of all campers and staff on the waterfront and they ensure swimming and boating activities meet British Columbia Camping Association (BCCA), Lifesaving and YMCA standards. They are required to positively role model, teach, and enforce waterfront safety rules and regulations for all campers and staff. The Head Lifeguard is responsible for assisting with the care and maintenance of all waterfront equipment. The Head Lifeguard should possess strong abilities in several waterfront activities, in addition to demonstrated abilities to facilitate growth and group development among young people. The Head Lifeguard is a member of the Head Counsellor team. Members of the Head Counsellor team work closely with the Supervisor of their section to support staff training, day-to-day operations and transitions, challenging camper behaviors, and mentoring staff. Major Responsibilities- in this position, you will: Provide support and guidance to the Waterfront team. Assist the Waterfront Supervisor with program schedules and logistics. Support the delivery of prepared, innovative training that supports professional development of staff & volunteers. Ensure waterfront programming meets the standards and expectations. Regularly inspect, maintain, and inventory all waterfront equipment. Report issues to the Waterfront Supervisor. Assist in training the waterfront staff to be prepared and familiar with Camp Elphinstone’s waterfront emergency procedures. Support with sign-in and sign-out days. Support Camp Counsellors in ensuring that all campers feel supported, safe, and all their needs (physical, emotional, social, medical, and nutritional) are being met while at the waterfront. Assist the Waterfront Supervisor in scheduling, planning and delivering theme days, facilitating daily transition times & meals, and all tasks necessary for the success of camp. Adhere to all provincial, lifesaving and YMCA standards, policies, and procedures. Ensure the safety of all members, participants, staff, and property by following YMCA standards/policies/procedures and ensuring they are maintained amongst all participants and staff. Camp staff are expected to contribute to the success of camp by completing tasks in addition to those listed above. These may include, but are not limited to: cleaning, preparing program materials, and transporting and maintaining equipment. Qualification-you bring: Experience working in large aquatics environments with many water and boating programs. Proven ability to solve problems independently. 2 years of experience working in an overnight camp setting. Standard First Aid & CPR-C NL Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date. 3 successful reference checks Additional Qualifications (assets) CANSail Instructor Paddle Canada Instructor ACCT Level 2 About Camp Elphinstone: YMCA Camp Elphinstone, located near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. Nestled on 144 acres of temperate rainforest along the shores of Howe Sound, the camp offers a variety of programs for youth ages 5-17 during July and August. These include one- and two-week overnight camps, Leadership Development programs, multi-day paddling and hiking trips, and day camps. From September to June, Camp Elphinstone functions as an Outdoor Education, Event, and Retreat Centre, hosting schools, conferences, weddings, and other special interest groups. Annually, the camp serves over 10,000 participants. YMCA Camp Elphinstone can accommodate and dine up to 472 campers or guests. During July and August, the camp employs around 140 staff and volunteers, while the spring and fall Outdoor Education seasons see a team of 20-50 members. In the winter season, a smaller core team of 10 staff members is maintained. Successful staff at Camp Elphinstone are self-motivated individuals dedicated to helping children and youth thrive in an outdoor camp setting, and they are committed to providing 5-star customer service to all client groups. We acknowledge that the land where YMCA Camp Elphinstone operates is the traditional, unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish) Nation since time immemorial. Further, we recognize that our camp activities extend across the Sunshine Coast, which includes the traditional and unceded territories of several Coast Salish Nations, whose peoples have stewarded and continue to protect and care for the lands, waterways and airways where we are grateful to live, work, play and learn. About YMCA BC: By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. With over 3,000 employees and volunteers, YMCA BC serves 150,000 individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John. As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities’ most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and community health. We believe there is potential inside all of us and envision vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for all. YMCA BC is firmly committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB). By taking an intersectional approach to our programs and services, the YMCA is committed to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and like they belong. Learn more at bc.ymca.ca. Application Process-ready to make a difference? Spring Season: January 15th 2026, at 11:59pm PST  Summer Season: February 29th 2026 at 11:59pm PST What to expect: Here is our expected timeline: November Job Postings go live Review of Applications December First round of interviews begin Continuous review of applications & offer of interviews January Continuous review of applications & offer of interviews Please include any and all relevant certifications in your online application. You will receive an automated notification to confirm receipt of your application. Thank you for your interest and application.