Job Posting Detail

LIFEGUARD/SWIM INSTRUCTOR

Branksome Hall, a leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offers remarkable Day Camps during the summer, on a picturesque urban campus in the heart of Toronto.  We offer a wide selection of camp options, for children aged 4 to 10, streamlined into three main categories: Arts, Sports, and STEM. Campers and staff will enjoy utilizing our beautiful 13-acre campus and our state-of-the-art facilities. We help cultivate a team environment at Branksome Hall Day Camps where all staff feel valued for their contributions.

The Opportunity:

Branksome Hall Day Camps (BHDC) is proud to deliver high quality programs that provide an opportunity for fun, friendships and learning to over 2,000 campers each year.  

We are seeking mature and responsible Lifeguards/Swim Instructors who supervise and ensure the safety of all campers and staff in the Branksome Hall pools and assist or lead camp aquatic program activities.  They are expected to maintain open lines of communication, be vigilant on safety protocols in and around the water, and work cooperatively with other camp staff in fulfilling their duties.  Our Lifeguards/Swim Instructors are dedicated, safety-conscious and enthusiastic while ensuring a fun atmosphere for our campers and staff.

Preference will be given to candidates that are qualified as both Lifeguards and Swim Instructors in order to switch between these roles throughout the summer, however we may consider candidates who are qualified in only one area. 

Branksome Hall Day Camps (BHDC) will run for 8 weeks, June 26 to August 18, 2023, on weekdays from 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Counsellors may be required to be available beyond their standard hours to participate in After Care when requested or in the event of an emergency or other unexpected and time sensitive situation arises. Camps will not operate on July 3 or August 7 due to holidays.

There will be 3 mandatory Camp Staff Training days in June 2023, exact dates TBC.

 

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

For Lifeguards:

• Responsibility for the safety of all swimmers using the Athletics and Wellness Centre’s swimming pools;
• Maintain direct contact with swimmers and communicates with them in an effective manner;
• The Lifeguard performs the very important task of being a first responder in case of an emergency and providing First Aid as needed throughout the pool and changeroom areas;
• Monitor designated pool areas and responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the pool deck area, change rooms and shower areas including picking up equipment and storing it in its proper place, straightening chairs, organizing lost and found items etc.;
• The Lifeguard also performs maintenance and related work, as required;
• Conducts facility inspections, completes opening and closing checklists, daily scheduled chemical tests and advises supervisor of any concerns found;
• Be creative and adaptable in problem solving through situations, and seek assistance when necessary;
• The ideal candidate will enjoy working with children, and be a positive, respectful and effective role model for campers and peers;
• Assist with other duties as assigned, some that may be delivered outside of the pool area.

For Swim Instructors:

• Provides instructional swimming lessons to various age groups following established curriculum;
• Plans, organizes and implements lessons plans and evaluations for aquatic activities;
• Maintain direct contact with swimmers and communicate with them in an effective manner while following and enforcing all policies and procedures;
• Assist Lifeguards as first responders in the event of an emergency, and provide First Aid as needed to swimmers in the pool or changeroom areas;
• Work to ensure all campers feel comfortable, safe and included;
• Be a positive, respectful and effective role model for campers and peers;
• Assist in maintaining the cleanliness of the pool deck area, changerooms and shower areas;
• Be creative and adaptable in problem solving through situations, and seek assistance when necessary;
• Communicate and coordinate effectively with non-swim camp staff on the transition of groups from pool to land and the health and wellbeing of campers;
• Perform administrative tasks, including swim report card writing, attendance, level progression etc.
• Maintain open lines of communication with colleagues and families;
• Assist with other duties as assigned, some that may be delivered outside of the pool area.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Lifeguards must hold a current National Lifeguard certification, Standard First Aid & CPR ‘C’ (issued from Lifesaving Society, Red Cross or St John’s Ambulance), and AED certifications;
• Swim Instructors must hold a current Lifesaving Society Swim (LSS) Instructor certification (Red Cross WSI certified candidates may apply but LSS preferred); LSS Lifesaving Instructor certification is an asset
• Previous experience as a Lifeguard or Swim Instructor is an asset, especially in a camp setting;
• Previous experience supervising or teaching children is an asset
• Must possess sound knowledge of the rules and regulations governing safety in an indoor pool facility;
• Demonstrated ability to handle a variety of service situations in a busy aquatic facility;
• Candidates must have the ability to make decisions in an emergency situation;
• Pool Operators Certification is an asset;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to problem solve effectively, work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work as part of a team with a wide variety of ages and demographic groups

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Required to move, lift, carry, pull and place objects weighing less than or equal to 40 pounds without assistance;
• Stand, sit or walk for an extended period of time or for an entire shift;
• Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting and pulling; and
• Move over sloping, uneven or slippery surfaces;
• May require assisting campers who identify as the same gender with changing clothes.
• Physical ability to lead, and participate with, children of varying ages in a wide variety of challenging activities in any environment
• May require working After Care (4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) from week to week, as necessary

How to apply:

If you thrive working in a team environment and want to have an awesome summer working with children, please apply to join our team!

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until all positions are filled. 

Branksome Hall is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the position. Branksome Hall is strongly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with (dis)abilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas, and champion diversity in its broadest sense. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates engaging in all parts of the recruitment and selection process at Branksome Hall Day Camps.

As an educational institution, with the health and safety of our community as a priority, we require all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, prior to their start date. 

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

To learn more about Branksome Hall and our Camps, please visit http://branksomecamps.ca/ and https://www.branksome.on.ca/.