The YWCA is currently accepting applications for Aquatic Positions in Aylmer including: Senior Lifeguard & Instructor, Lifeguard & Swim Instructor and Water Safety Assistant to work individually and as a team to provide pool supervision and class instruction according to established standards in a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment.
Position(s): Senior Lifeguard & Instructor, Lifeguard & Swim Instructor, Water Safety Assistant
Location: Outdoor Pool in Aylmer, 7 Myrtle Street Aylmer, YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin
Job Type: Seasonal, Part-time to Full-time, contract
Salary: $17/hr-$19/hr, depending on position and qualifications
Reports to: Aquatic Coordinator
Summary
Lifeguards & Swim Instructors provide pool supervision and class instruction according to established standards in a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment. Lifeguards and Swim Instructors are responsible for the overall safety of swimmers and participants accessing the pool facilities according to relevant legislation, regulations and standards and must have the ability to effectively and efficiently protect the safety of swimmers, provide first aid treatment where necessary and respond in case of emergency. The lifeguard and swim instructor is responsible for the organization and preparation of swimming lessons for a variety of students and has the ability to effectively and consistently provide instruction and evaluate swimmers according to established standards. Other responsibilities include set up and maintenance of the pool area(s) and facilities for aquatic operations and to ensure safety and preparation, completion and maintenance of required reports, forms, records and statistics. The Lifeguard & Swim Instructor must have current, required certifications to lifeguard and provide aquatic instruction as per regulations including Standard First Aid with CPR, National Lifeguard, Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor or Lifesaving Society Lifesaving Instructor.
A Lifeguard & Swim Instructor operates under the guidance of the Aquatic Supervisor and Aquatics Coordinator and works collaboratively within a team of Aquatics Staff including Lifeguard & Swim Instructors, Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, Water Safety Assistants and Pool Facility Attendants to provide aquatic program delivery in Aylmer for the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin in accordance with established program standards, relevant legislation, health and safety, organizational policies and partnership agreements.
Core Competencies
• Customer Focus
• Communication
• Energy & Stress Management
• Team Work
• Quality Orientation
• Health & safety
• Leadership
• Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Accountability and Dependability
• Operating Equipment
• Ethics and Integrity
• Thorough understanding of healthy child development, Lifesaving Society programs and standards, Regulation 565, Public Pools
Qualifications & Experience
• Must by 15+ years of age
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR
• Lifesaving Society Bronze Cross
• Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor an asset
• Current Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard
• Current Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor or Lifesaving Instructor
• Commitment to meeting and maintaining a level of physical fitness at or above the National Lifeguard Standard
• Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Demonstration of ongoing development of skills in leadership, supervision, decision making, communication and listening, public relations, time management, and self-care
• Maintain standards of conduct
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Current Lifesaving Society Examiner an asset
• HIGH FIVE Certification in Principles of Healthy Child Development, Principles of Healthy Aging an asset
• Experience in aquatic program delivery an asset
Job Duties
• Responsible for the overall safety of swimmers and participants accessing the pool facilities according to relevant legislation, regulations, standards and health precautions
• Effectively and efficiently protect the safety of swimmers, provide first aid treatment where necessary and respond in case of emergency.
• Demonstrate excellent leadership, communication and problem solving skills, enjoy working as part of a team and interacting positively with children.
• Organize and prepare swimming lessons for students and effectively and consistently provide instruction and evaluate swimmers according to established standards.
• Preparation, completion, maintenance of reports, forms, records and statistics.
• Maintenance of the pool area(s) and facilities to ensure safety
• Continuous development of all Lifeguarding Pillars: Knowledge, Skill, Fitness, and Judgement
• Knowledge of health and safety, policy and procedures, and relevant regulations
• Commitment to developing leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Consistent effort toward accountability, dependability, adaptability and initiative
• Thorough understanding of healthy child development, Lifesaving Society programs and standards
• Open communication with aquatic team and members of the community in working collaboratively, ensuring customer focus and delivering quality programming.
• Interpersonal and customer service skills with public, volunteers, employees, management and community partners.
• Able to problem solve, work independently and as part of team, think critically, adapt, be flexible and manage time
• Presenting/speaking to groups of people during class instruction, recreational swimming
• Supervise the entire aquatic facility including pools, deck, changeroom and all areas to ensure the safety of swimmers and participants.
• Safeguard lives, providing first aid treatment, in water rescues, and water safety education as required.
• Enforce all pool rules, maintaining open and consistent communication with participants, caregivers, and members of the public.
• Interact positively with children, providing a nurturing and caring environment that promotes healthy child development.
• Demonstrate and model appropriate and logical consequences for behavior management.
• Adhere to all relevant legislation, health regulations, standards, procedures, and policies at all times. Report any concerns within a timely manner to Aquatics Coordinator or designate.
• Be alert and ‘rescue ready’ at all times: including wearing proper uniform readily identifiable as lifeguard with required equipment including whistle, hip pack, and rescue equipment.
• Have on file at the pool, a photocopy of required and current qualifications as well as other applicable awards
• Actively contribute to the cleaning, maintenance, and upkeep of the aquatic environment by following all cleaning/maintenance schedules or assignments and including:
• Participating in cleaning and disinfection protocols for the entire aquatic facility including pools, deck and viewing areas, changerooms, offices and equipment spaces.
• Participating in set-up and take-down of pool and facility equipment, ensure pools and decks are cleared following each lesson block or swim.
• Supporting tasks including but not limited to checking the function of the emergency phone at the beginning of each day, checking the function and position of emergency equipment, scanning the environment for hazards prior to participants entering the facility.
• Ensuring that the pool chemistry meets minimum opening standards and complete ongoing pool tests every two hours.
• Follow procedures to accurately record and complete documentation on the appropriate forms, notifying a supervisor where required in:
• Maintaining accurate and timely program records for attendance, participation statistics, collection of funds, and/or other purposes.
• Updating the pool logbook(s) and appropriate check-lists as tasks are completed.
• Documenting any accidents or incidents
• Plan, facilitate, and document swimming lessons according to established standards and as required by training and qualifications
• Being organized and prepared for swimming lessons including creating session core plans or weekly lesson plans and gathering appropriate equipment
• Instructing and evaluating swimmers as per program standards (Lifesaving Society) to develop water safety and swimming skills
• Maintaining program records including attendance, progress reports, and worksheets, submitting them on time to the Aquatics Coordinator or designate.
• Attend all staff training sessions before and throughout the season, participating in the completion of in-service fitness and training.
• Be on time and ready to work in time for all scheduled shifts, alerting the Aquatics Coordinator or designate of any delays or time off requests.
• Strive to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable swimming environment, maintaining a positive team atmosphere, contributing to a culture of respect.
• Report any concerns using consistent and open communication with the Aquatics Coordinator or designate.
Work Conditions
• Regular lifting, carrying, and management of supplies for the practice of lifesaving techniques, program delivery
• Regular lifting, carrying and handling of cleaning and disinfection supplies.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of persons in the pool during swim instruction
• Loud / noisy work environment
• Outdoor work environment during summer season
Seasonal Employment Opportunities include positions during the summer for daytime, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory orientation and training required. Hours of work may vary.
Canada Summer Jobs Program – Lifeguard/Instructor(s): Minimum employment contract length of 270+ hours during the summer, contingent on Canada Summer Jobs Program funding. Participant Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Summer Jobs Program must be met. Participant must be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period, a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment and have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
How to Apply:
Applicants are invited to submit their resume including proof of current qualifications and position(s) of interest by February 20, 2026: Aylmer Community Services, 20 Talbot Street East, Aylmer ON N5H 1H4 or by email to: afehr@ywcaste.ca. These positions are for existing vacancies.
The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. If you require accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
We are grateful to all candidates for their interest in joining the YWCA, however, only those selected to move into the interview process will be contacted.