Lifeguard

Job Title: Lifeguard
Reports to: PE Program Manager, Waterfront Lead
Department: Camps
Employment Status: Non-Exempt Seasonal, Part-time
Overall Function: This position is responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and engaging aquatic environment at Camp Joy, including pools and designated waterfront areas. This role actively supervises swimmers and boaters, enforces safety regulations, and responds promptly to emergencies in accordance with American Camp Association (ACA) standards, Camp Joy policies, and established emergency action plans.
Lifeguards play a critical role in Camp Joy’s risk management strategy by promoting prevention, maintaining vigilance, and supporting a positive and inclusive camp experience.
Summary of Responsibilities
1. Aquatic Safety & Supervision
a. Actively supervise swimmers and boaters in all camp aquatic environments, including pools and ponds, in accordance with ACA-required ratios and Camp Joy procedures.
b. Enforce all aquatic safety rules, policies, and behavior expectations consistently and professionally.
c. Conduct swim tests and ensure accurate documentation and record retention.
d. Maintain constant vigilance to identify and respond to unsafe conditions, behaviors, or hazards.
2. Risk Management & Emergency Response
a. Respond immediately and appropriately to emergencies following Camp Joy’s emergency action plans.
b. Conduct regular safety inspections of aquatic equipment and facilities and document findings.
c. Report hazards, incidents, and maintenance concerns promptly to the Waterfront Lead or Program Manager.
3. Facility & Equipment Management
a. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized pool and waterfront environment, including surrounding grounds, equipment, and shower facilities.
b. Coordinate with the Waterfront Lead on pool maintenance, including monitoring chemical levels, vacuuming, algae removal, and reporting irregularities.
c. Assist with equipment inventory and communicate supply or repair needs.
4. Staff Collaboration & Communication
a. Maintain clear communication with all camp staff regarding aquatic safety roles (e.g., “Extra Eyes” at the pool, “Boat Loaders” at the pond).
b. Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and in-services.
Joy Outdoor Educa􀆟on Center, P.O. Box 157, Clarksville, OH 45113 2 of 2
Observable Behaviors
1. Customer Service & Camper Experience
a. Role Model: Demonstrates positive, respectful, and safety-focused interactions with campers and clients.
b. Relationship Building: Learns campers’ names, engages appropriately during activities, and supports inclusive social experiences.
c. Responsiveness: Addresses camper and client needs promptly while maintaining safety as the top priority.
2. Teamwork & Communication
a. Flexibility: Remains adaptable, calm under pressure, and ready to assist where needed.
b. Clear Communication: Maintains open, professional communication with campers, peers, and supervisors.
3. Work Quality & Professionalism
a. Professional Standards: Delivers a consistently safe, fun, and high-quality Camp Joy experiences
b. Reliability: Arrives on time, prepared, and ready for all assigned shifts and responsibilities.
c. Initiative: Proactively intervenes to prevent unsafe situations and enhance camper engagement.
Performance Measures
• Achieves an average rating of “meets or exceeds expectations” on staff evaluations.
• Receives program client evaluation scores of 3.85 or higher for specialty camps.
• Achieves 96% or higher on camper outcome evaluations related to campers reporting they had fun at camp (agency camps).
Minimum Qualifications
• Minimum age of 15 years (or per lifeguard certification provider requirements).
• Current and valid ACA-approved lifeguard certification, or ability to successfully complete Camp Joy–provided training.
• Strong safety-oriented mindset and demonstrated aquatic skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, children, and teens.
• Ability to observe behavior, assess risk, enforce rules, and apply appropriate interventions.
• Visual and physical ability to identify and respond to aquatic and environmental hazards.
• Ability to swim a minimum of 300 meters (12 laps) per program week.
• Physical Requirement:
o Ability to lift, carry, and assist with loads of up to 50 pounds, including program equipment and, when necessary, assisting campers in safety-related or emergency situations.