Overnight Summer Camp Counselor & Ocean Lifeguard - Camp Surf

YMCA of San Diego County • Imperial Beach, CA

3d • $98 - $104 • Onsite

About The Position

The Overnight Summer Camp Counselor and Ocean Lifeguard is responsible for the constant supervision, safety, and positive development of a cabin group of 8–12 campers ages 7–17, including overnight supervision and responsibility for campers throughout evenings, meals, transitions, and activities. The role safeguards assigned beachfront and ocean areas, performs aquatic rescues, administers emergency care, and strictly enforces camp safety protocols and policies. Counselors teach and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities and serve as positive, approachable role models while helping maintain a welcoming, genuine, and nurturing camp environment.

This is a residential position requiring the employee to live on-site for the full camp session and remain available and responsive to camper needs, emergencies, and unforeseen situations. The role requires high physical fitness, successful participation in semi-monthly in-service training and physical drills, and the ability to meet ocean rescue fitness standards. The position works six days per week. Mandatory staff training is May 12, 2027, and the summer camp session runs June 6 through August 7, 2027.

Weekly pay is $589.10–$623.10, approximately $98.18–$103.85 per day. The position is exempt from overtime under the stated organized-camp counselor conditions. Free on-site meals are included, and on-site housing is provided with a weekly housing cost deducted from pay. Staff must be fingerprinted before reporting to work.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.
• Specialized training in outdoor and/or aquatic activities, or a related field.
• At least six months of experience as a camp counselor, youth leader, or in a supervisory role with children ages 7–17, or similar experience.
• Current United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Certificate.
• Successful completion of the American Safety & Health Institute Advanced First Aid course before the start of the camp season.
• Successful completion of the 60-hour USLA Open Water Lifeguard Certification program before the start of the camp season.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.
• Advanced First Aid certification within 30 days of hire from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.
• Emergency Oxygen certification within 30 days of hire from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.
• Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to identify, assess, and respond to critical incidents and emergencies, including rescues and emergency medical care.
• Ability to maintain focused observation of ocean and beach areas and recognize and anticipate hazards in changing, high-risk conditions.
• Ability to complete semi-monthly in-service drills and training and maintain required certifications.
• Ability to observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply camp policies and procedures.
• Physical ability to lead and participate in activities involving extended standing, walking, hiking, swimming, and/or climbing, often outdoors in varied weather.
• Ability to complete a 1-mile run in under 8 minutes and a 600-yard ocean swim in 10 minutes or less.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and a warm, approachable demeanor with children, parents, and community members.
• Ability to serve as a positive, mature, and enthusiastic role model, demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and good sportsmanship.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a staff team, take direction, and contribute positively to camp culture.
• Ability to live on-site for the full program season and maintain professional standards in shared staff and camper areas.
• Fingerprinting before reporting to work is required.

Responsibilities

• Assume full, 24-hour responsibility for a cabin group of 8–12 children ages 7–17, including evenings, overnights, mealtimes, transitions, and activity periods, and respond to camper needs, emergencies, or unforeseen situations.
• Safeguard assigned ocean and beach areas through surveillance from a station or patrols in a radio-equipped emergency vehicle, and take preventative actions to protect life and prevent accidents.
• Use preventative lifeguard techniques, perform rescues, and administer medical aid as needed in dynamic ocean conditions.
• Maintain strong First Aid, CPR, oxygen administration, and emergency medical services interface skills.
• Teach and lead quality, engaging, age-appropriate activities, including activities such as archery, field games, the climbing tower, kayaking, swimming, and surfing.
• Use sound judgment and conservative decision-making to prioritize campers’ physical and emotional safety, manage behavior constructively, and mediate conflicts.
• Enforce camp safety rules and operating procedures and implement emergency procedures when necessary.
• Care for the waterfront and program equipment, including appropriate use, accurate inventory, and maintenance of items such as life jackets and rescue tubes.
• Help maintain clean facilities and care for equipment and supplies; participate in general camp chores, which may include cleaning cabins and bathrooms, assisting with evening programs and special events, and contributing to projects as requested by the Program Director.
• Work cooperatively with lifeguards, camp counselors, directors, and support staff and contribute to a positive staff culture.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Free on-site meals.
• On-site housing is provided; a weekly housing cost is deducted from pay.
• Employee perks are referenced through the YMCA of San Diego County Employee Benefits link.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED