Lifeguard/ Swim Instructor Level I/II

Rate of Pay: $19.25 per hour (Level I); $21.25 per hour (Level II) (with $1.50/hour shift premium for assigned Aquatics Team Leader responsibilities)

Position Grade: Grade 2

Department: Health, Fitness, Aquatics & Residence

Location: Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA, 79 James St South, Hamilton, ON, L8P 2Z1

Work Hours: Up to 29 hours (Part Time)

Employment Type: Part-time hourly with complimentary YMCA membership

Deadline to Apply: Ongoing

Anticipated Start Date: August 2026

No. of Vacancies: Multiple

Why You’ll Love Working With Us
In addition to working with an amazing team in an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success, we offer:

• Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility)
• Competitive total compensation packages
• Group health and benefits plans (includes medical, dental, and prescription medication, subject to eligibility)
• Generous pension plans with employer matching
• Free YMCA Health & Fitness Memberships
• Professional development opportunities including paid training and access to YMCA education scholarships
• Reduced rates for YMCA Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to eligibility)
• Mental Health On Demand (MHOD) Program
• Opportunities for career advancement

Position Overview
We believe that it is through the power of our amazing people that the #YSavesLives. By joining the Health, Fitness, Aquatics & Residence team, you will contribute to making our Y the best place to work.

Aquatics team members are responsible for delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all participants during recreational swims and instructional programs. In this dynamic and rewarding role, you will supervise aquatic activities with a focus on safety, lead both individual and group swimming lessons, and help swimmers of all ages build confidence and skills in the water. You will also collaborate closely with a supportive team of staff and volunteers, maintain a clean and safe pool environment, and uphold all health and safety standards. This position offers opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training, certification upgrades, and leadership development. Aquatics team members work a variety of shifts including morning, evening, weekends, and public holidays and are scheduled based on the needs of the branch.

This is a great opportunity for an individual with a high level of interest in working with the YMCA HBB as a charitable organization.

What You'll Do:

• Lifeguarding and Safety Oversight: The primary responsibility is to provide consistent lifeguard coverage, ensuring the safety of all pool users. This includes upholding YMCA policies and health regulations while delivering excellent customer service to members and participants.
• Aquatic Program Instruction and Coaching: The role involves teaching, guarding, and coaching a variety of aquatic programs. Staff are expected to develop lesson plans, conduct progressive evaluations, and maintain accurate records related to instruction and participant progress.
• Facility and Equipment Maintenance: Experience with pool chemicals and cleaning supplies is essential for maintaining water quality and deck equipment. Staff are responsible for ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the aquatic environment.
• Team Collaboration and Professional Development: Working collaboratively with other staff and volunteers in the aquatic area is key. Employees must also maintain current certifications, attend scheduled training sessions, and pursue ongoing professional development as required.

What You'll Bring:

All Candidates must hold valid certifications in the following areas:

• Current Standard First Aid & CPR C
• Vulnerable Sector Check
• National Lifeguard Certification
• Lifesaving Society and/or YMCA Swim Instructor Certification
• WHMIS is deemed an asset but will be provided by the YMCA upon employment

All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.

Organizational Overview
As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA HBB connects people to life-building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA HBB works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA HBB's determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility
The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity.

We understand the social barriers preventing individuals from applying for open roles. We encourage those from the Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Disabled communities to apply.

If you need any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People, Leadership and Culture Department (PLC) at [email protected].

Ready to Make a Difference? This is your chance to play a critical role in shaping a thriving, inclusive workplace where employees feel supported and empowered. If you’re passionate about people and excited to lead impactful initiatives, we want to hear from you!