Camp Greenville Lifeguard (Summer 2027)

YMCA of Greenville•Cleveland, SC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

YMCA Camp Greenville is seeking a cause-driven lifeguard for its overnight summer camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The lifeguard communicates and enforces aquatics rules and guidelines to maintain a safe, enjoyable waterfront environment. The role supports the Waterfront Coordinator in managing and supervising waterfront and paddle sports activities, including swim tests, free swim, the Aqua Park, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, with safety as the priority. The lifeguard also helps maintain the boathouse and its equipment, provides service to campers, and supports cabin leaders when away from the program area. The position requires working with campers and staff from varied backgrounds, remaining at an assigned post for extended periods, and serving as a positive role model who helps protect campers’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The position is contingent on holding the required certifications. Applicants must be at least 18 years old by June 2027 and must obtain the required certifications before June 2027. YMCA of Greenville offers lifeguard certification classes for applicants who need certification.

Requirements

Current deep-water lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications from the American Red Cross; certifications must be obtained before June 2027, and employment is contingent on certification.
Must be at least 18 years old by June 2027.
Ability to communicate and enforce policies and procedures with campers and staff.
Ability to react quickly and properly in emergency situations.
Enthusiasm and excellent customer service skills.
Excellent communication skills with peers and campers.
Lifeguard certification is required before being hired as a lifeguard.

Nice To Haves

Experience lifeguarding in a waterfront setting.
Experience working in a team setting.
Canoe, kayak, or other paddle sports experience.

Responsibilities

Communicate and enforce aquatics rules and guidelines to maintain a safe waterfront environment.
Open, complete daily tasks for, and close the aquatics area and boathouse according to Standard Operating Procedures.
Provide excellent service to campers and work with participants of all backgrounds.
Maintain a clean, safe, fully stocked, and organized work area.
Address aquatics concerns and inform a supervisor about unusual situations or unresolved issues.
Work without constant direct supervision and remain at the assigned post for extended periods.
Maintain a positive attitude and contribute to a quality work environment.
Supervise campers and staff during waterfront and paddle sports activities, including swim tests, free swim, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Support cabin leader staff when outside the program area and fill in for cabin leaders at times.
Model camp values and act with integrity, creativity, and safety in mind.
Support campers’ mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being while they are at camp.
Approach responsibilities in a fun, creative, enthusiastic, and professional manner.
Assist with planning, directing, and supervising safe and enjoyable paddle sports programming.
Maintain and organize boathouse equipment, including watercraft, personal flotation devices, paddles, and oars.
Work with the Waterfront Coordinator to support safe practices and coordination between waterfront and boathouse activities.
Follow consumer-boundary policies, complete required abuse risk management training, follow procedures for high-risk activities and consumer supervision, and comply with mandated reporting requirements and job-specific abuse risk management responsibilities.