Lifeguard & Swim Instructor

Be the Spark! Join our passionate Aquatics team and help us to achieve great things in our community!

The Instructor Swim Lessons position teaches and examines using the YMCA Swim Lesson program curriculum and resources. Instructors develop weekly lesson plans that identify the unique needs of the participants. Instructors maintain a safe environment at all times.

The Lifeguard position maintains a safe aquatic environment at all times, including meeting regulatory and YMCA requirements.

In this role, you will:

Instructor Swim Lessons Responsibilities:

• Ensure all safety and life guarding procedures are adhered to, and in the event of an emergency respond as trained by the Association and the Lifesaving Society.
• Deliver course content and examine participants following established YMCA criteria.
• Develop and implement sequential weekly lesson plans.
• Recognize participant learning styles and deliver content accordingly.
• Coach and develop participants to meet success.
• Communicate (verbal and written) child’s progress to parents and Team Leaders.
• Maintain accurate, up to date weekly progress sheets and records for participants.
• Take attendance, ensure participants are signed into and out of the program.
• Set up and take down recreational, program and other equipment as required – at the same time checking that equipment is safe and in good repair (reporting immediately all malfunctions and removing the damaged equipment immediately from circulation).
• Ensure qualifications and certifications as required by the YMCA and regulatory standards are current at all times
• Participate actively in scheduled programs, meetings and special events.
• Collaborate with individual program members, program volunteers and YMCA program staff, assist and encourage program members to access additional appropriate programs offered at this location.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Lifeguard Responsibilities:

• Ensure that all safety and life guarding procedures are adhered to, and in the event of an emergency respond as trained by the Lifesaving Society and YMCA.
• Ensure that members, volunteers and other staff adhere to pool conduct guidelines and maintain order in his/her designated area as a proactive approach to ensuring safety and accident prevention.
• Set up and take down recreational, program and other equipment as required – at the same time checking that equipment is safe and in good repair (reporting immediately all malfunctions and removing the damaged equipment immediately from circulation).
• Complete a safety check of lifesaving equipment prior to each shift.
• Assist the staff team in some cleaning duties related to pool and equipment.
• Ensure qualifications and certifications as required by the YMCA and regulatory standards are current at all times.
• Actively participate in scheduled programs, meetings and special events.
• Collaborate with individual program members, program volunteers and YMCA program staff, assists and encourages program members to access additional appropriate programs offered at this location.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

General YMCA Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates appropriate behaviours in line with our Mission, Vision and Values as reflected in our YMCA competencies; takes a member focused approach to increase their understanding of programs offered across the Association. Represents the YMCA and the Association in a professional manner.
• Understands the legal responsibilities and moral imperative to report suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.
• Understands the importance of the volunteer staff partnership and integrates the value of philanthropy and volunteerism in dealings with members, volunteers, donors and staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

You bring:

Instructor Swim Lessons Qualifications:

• Current certifications in the following Lifesaving Society awards: National Lifeguard (NL), Intermediate First Aid with CPR level C certification and AED gained with the requirements set forth in alignment with Ontario WSIB requirements and YMCA Policies.
• Current YMCA or Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor certification
• Previous experience instructing swim lessons an asset
• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers
• Excellent written communication skill and Organizational skills
• Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to the diverse needs of members including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity
• Flexibility regarding assigned hours of work, weekday afternoons, evenings and weekends

Lifeguard Qualifications:

• Current Certifications in the following Lifesaving Society awards: National Lifeguard (NL), Intermediate First Aid with CPR level C certification and AED, prior to the first day of work
• Previous experience in lifeguarding an asset
• Well-developed interpersonal, and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff and volunteers
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Flexibility regarding assigned hours of work, including early mornings, days, evenings and weekend
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.