Job Description

Overnight Summer Camp Counselor/Ocean Lifeguard

Carry out the responsibilities of an Ocean Lifeguard and Overnight Camp Counselor throughout the applicable Resident Camp program season. For Overnight Camp Counselor, teach outdoor, recreational activities, and/or other camp programming for groups in the overnight camp program setting. Provide supervision and excellent customer service to all participants, know and enforce safety rules, care for equipment and facilities, and work well as a member of the camp community. Ensure a program environment is welcoming, genuine and nurturing for all participants and guests.

For Ocean Lifeguard; successful in the completion of all aspects of certification in USLA, CPR (BLS), ASHI Advanced First Aid, Emergency Oxygen and participating in weekly in-services specific to physical ability and ocean rescue & first aide/CPR knowledge. Assume responsibility for the well-being and safety of all participants and take ownership for program management and general upkeep as needed.

Pay & Benefits

• Weekly Pay: $589.00 $629.80* This position is exempt from overtime because you will work as a camp counselor or program counselor of an organized camp, and you will be paid a weekly salary equivalent to more than 85% of the minimum wage for a 40-hour week, subject to deduction for the value of lodging you receive and all withholdings and deductions as required by law.
• Daily Equivalent: Approximately $98.17 $104.96 per day
• Schedule: 6 days per week
• What's Included: Free on-site meals are included. On-site housing is provided, with a weekly housing cost deducted from your paycheck.

Schedule

Mandatory All Staff Training: Begins May 13, 2026

Summer Camp: June 7-August 8, 2026

*** Individuals hired for Lifeguard positions will initially be employed as Camp Counselors and compensated at the Camp Counselor rate. Upon successful completion of Lifeguard training, the Lifeguard pay rate will be applied.

Responsibilities

• Practice preventative lifeguard techniques at all times.
• Maintain high standards of skill in First Aid, CPR, oxygen administration, and effective interface with local EMS agency personnel.
• Assume full responsibility for a cabin group of 8-12 children including supervising the children 24 hours per day (evenings, overnights, mealtimes, and most activity times)
• Teach OE and/or recreation programming, lead activities for students and participants.
• Lead activities including (but not limited to) kayaking, swimming, surfing
• Employ good teaching and leadership techniques in providing quality instruction.
• Take full responsibility for the program areas of camp or assigned activity, enforcing procedures, ensuring adequate program supplies, and maintaining or improving equipment and facilities.
• Ensure camp operating procedures are always followed.
• Use good judgment; make conservative decisions all to ensure the safety of the children.
• Follow all rules and instructions, carry, and use properly necessary equipment during activities, know and follow camp emergency procedures.
• Demonstrate a strong sense of investment in camp by actively supporting the cleanliness of facilities, care of equipment and supplies, and stewardship of the natural environment.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with the team of other lifeguards, camp counselors and directors.
• Ensure proper care of waterfront, including appropriate use and accurate inventory of program equipment.
• Perform rescues and administer medical aid as needed
• Safeguard the ocean and beach by maintaining surveillance over an assigned area from a station or, patrols an assigned area in a radio equipped emergency vehicle, and take preventative actions and safety interventions, in the protection of life and prevention of accidents.
• Follow the specific directives of the Waterfront Unit Leader, Program Directors, and Camp Surf Director
• Ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures.
• Ability to teach and lead activities.
• Must be able to live on-site during program season.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.
• Physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills including: standing, hiking and/or climbing for extended periods of time
• Good customer service and communication skills when interacting with children, parents and the community.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older and have obtained a high school diploma or GED. Bachelor's degree in education, recreation, related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Successful completion of on-site ASHI Advanced First Aid course and monthly in-service drills and training
• Experience working with youth in Outdoor Education, Overnight Camp, Day Camp or like setting preferred.
• Certification or experience in the following preferred: climbing, camping, archery, hiking, biking, surfing, swimming, sailing, open water lifeguarding, kayaking and scuba diving.
• Must contain a USLA (United States Lifesaving Association) Certificate.
• Complete 60-hour USLA Open Water Lifeguard Certification
• Must be able to complete a 1 mile run in under 8 minutes and a 600-yard ocean swim in 10 minutes or less
• BLS, Advanced First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certification is required within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association or American Safety & Health Institute.

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.

Pay Range

USD $98.17 - USD $104.97 /Da.

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