Position Description:
At the Youth and Family Wellness Camp, we are not just a destination—we’re a close-knit community. This summer, we’re gearing up for another extraordinary series of day and overnight camps, inviting children and youth from our affiliate KCA communities to embark on a journey of growth and fun. With a diverse array of land-based activities, water adventures, arts, sports, and team building, our camps are designed to foster valuable life skills, boost self-esteem, and cultivate lasting friendships. We are on the lookout for dedicated and safety-focused Lifeguards to join our team and help us create unforgettable summer memories for youth across our surrounding First Nation communities.
Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety, supervision, and engagement of campers aged 6–15 years old during all swimming and waterfront activities. Working alongside the Waterfront Activity Specialist, Lifeguards play a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of campers, fostering an environment of confidence, learning, and fun in and around the water. Beyond just supervising swimming, Lifeguards serve as role models and supporters, nurturing personal growth, teaching water safety, and promoting positive relationships with the water.
Position Title: Camp Lifeguard
Location: 371 Strecker Road, Kenora, Ontario, P9N 4N8
Report To: Activity Supervisor, Youth & Family Wellness Camp
Contract: May 25– August 21 2026
Hourly Rate: $24.00/Hour (35 per week) + Bonus Opportunity, $1.00 for every hour worked if contract is successfully completed
Special Considerations: Summer Camp, Training & Program Support Prior
(4 Weeks – July) Day Camp
(2 Weeks, 3 Nights/4 Days – August) Overnight Camp – 12 Hour Shifts
Position Available: 1
Duties and Responsibilities:
Be a Role Model of Inspiration:
- Arrive punctually each day, ready to set the standard for behavior and engagement.
- Fully engage in staff training sessions
- Wear the staff uniform, embodying the essence of camp professionalism.
- Model safe, engaging, and well-managed waterfront supervision that inspires confidence in campers and staff.
Training & Professional Development
- Participate in YES Program training workshops and onboarding.
- Attend regular check-ins and professional development sessions.
- Complete all job-specific training (NLS, First Aid, safety procedures) and demonstrate confidence in assigned tasks.
- Assist with the delivery of key pieces of staff training related to waterfront safety and supervision protocols.
- Support ongoing mentoring throughout the summer, focusing on communication, camper management, and safety awareness.
Waterfront Supervision & Support
- Work directly with the Waterfront Activity Specialist to supervise all water-based activities.
- Support the Waterfront Activity Specialist in leading groups of campers during water-based activities.
- Provide vigilant surveillance using safe scanning practices and enforce all waterfront rules.
- Conduct regular swimmer head counts and maintain accurate ratios.
- Set up and take down waterfront equipment daily.
- Assist in teaching basic swimming skills, water safety, and confidence-building activities.
- Help facilitate canoeing, kayaking, and water-based activities under the guidance of the Waterfront Activity Specialist.
- Provide calm, immediate emergency response as needed, following all camp protocols.
- Participate in daily safety briefings and weekly team meetings to review program goals, schedules, and risk management protocols.
- Foster a positive, safety-focused, and collaborative work environment grounded in the Sacred Teachings and the organization’s mission and values.
Safety & Risk Management
- Prioritize the safety and well-being of campers by maintaining constant supervision, along with camp counsellors.
- Ensure all activities meet safety protocols and are delivered in a manner that prioritizes camper well-being.
- Conduct daily inspections of activity spaces and report any concerns immediately to supervisor.
- Support campers in following arts & crafts rules and expectations respectfully and consistently, ensuring safety and adherence to camp policies and procedures.
- Document and report incidents in accordance with camp safety policies.
Site and Equipment Maintenance
- Conduct daily inspections of the waterfront area, including docks, swimming zones, and safety equipment and communicate supply or safety needs promptly.
- Ensure all rescue equipment is in proper working condition and immediately report any damaged or missing items.
- Set up and take down waterfront program materials each day, ensuring the area is safe, stocked, and ready for camper use.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of waterfront spaces, including storage sheds, lifejacket racks, and equipment bins.
- Check lifejackets daily for proper fit, damage, and inventory, reporting any replacements needed.
- Support the Waterfront Activity Specialist with equipment-related tasks such as canoe/kayak checks and paddle storage.
- Monitor shoreline and dock conditions, reporting hazards immediately to supervisors.
- Assist with keeping the waterfront free of trash, natural debris, and obstacles to ensure safe and enjoyable use by campers.
- Report any safety concerns, site hazards, or equipment malfunctions immediately to support quick action and prevent risk.
Other Duties as Assigned:
- Willingness to adapt working hours based on needs of program
- Be flexible and adaptable, ready to support camp operations in any capacity required.
Qualifications:
- Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
- Experience working with children in a camp environment or similar setting.
- Ability to supervise, plan, and support engaging water-based activities for children of different ages.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with campers, parents, and other staff members.
- Knowledge of water safety procedures and ability to respond to emergency situations.
- Physical fitness and ability to participate in aquatic and camp activities alongside campers.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changes in schedule, program, or weather conditions.
- Commitment to safety, inclusion, and culturally respectful practices.
- Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language and experience in working in an Indigenous community or organization considered an asset.
- High Five Certification is an asset.
- Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification and Standard First Aid & CPR (or willingness to obtain prior to start).
Education and/or Experience:
- Experience working with children and youth in camp, recreation, aquatics, or community programs.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise groups safely in and around water.
- Experience leading or supporting water-based activities such as swimming lessons, canoeing/kayaking, or water games is an asset.
- Knowledge of basic waterfront and equipment safety, including lifejackets, docks, and rescue equipment.
- Post-secondary education in Recreation, Kinesiology, Child and Youth Work, Early Childhood Education, or a related field is an asset.
- Understanding of the Ojibway language is considered an asset
Additional Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license and vehicle;
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Search.
Please forward resume, cover letter, and 3 references to:
Human Resource Department
Kenora Chiefs Advisory
P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor
Kenora ON P9N 3X4
Fax: 807-467-2656
Email: resume@kenorachiefs.org
*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting