Description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Agassiz Village Lifeguard/Swim Instructor is responsible for teaching swimming skills to campers ages 8-16 during the Waterfront activity periods and lifeguarding during free swim periods.  They are responsible for planning the swimming instruction curriculum and ensuring skills building for campers. They set up and break down the program area, facilitating students through the program elements, and maintaining safety.Along with the Waterfront Director, they ensure that the Camp’s waterfront program and protocols are followed in compliance with the regulations for Department of Health and American Camp Association standards. The ideal candidate will be skilled in facilitation and working with a variety of students and ages. Class size varies but typically the instructor will have 12-14 students per period several times throughout the day.  
When not actively working at the Waterfront, the lifeguard/boat driver will act in the capacity of a Cabin Counselor with an assigned cabin group. 
 
Responsibilities and Key Functions: 
 
Teach swimming lessons to children with varying levels of skills helping children to develop their swimming skills and meet program objectives while creating an atmosphere of fun, energy, enthusiasm, safety, progression, and achievement. 
Supervise swimming activities at the waterfront and ensure campers are following policies, guidelines and safety procedures.   
Warn swimmers of improper activities or danger and enforce all waterfront rules and water safety procedures.   
Administer first aid in the event of injury, rescue swimmers in distress or in danger or drowning, and administer CPR if necessary.   
Evaluate conditions for safety and initiate waterfront emergency action plan as required.   
Deliver progressive programming that builds on skills, so youth are making strides toward achieving goals.   
Take every opportunity to teach campers social and emotional skills such as relationship building, perseverance, self-reflection, goal setting and more as you encourage each camper to recognize what they are capable of through mentorship and daily conversations with youth. 
Conduct daily check of the waterfront and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair in compliance with American Camp Association (ACA) standards. 
Assist in the management and care of the physical facilities and equipment. 
Clean waterfront area daily keeping it free of hazards and debris. 
Participate enthusiastically in all camp activities, planning, and leading those as assigned including weekend and evening activities. 
Follow the schedule, beginning and ending each activity on time. 
Assist with swim tests of children and keep daily camper logs and records on  
participant’s progress - help them progress from beginner to advanced levels. 
Perform an end of the season program evaluation and make recommendations for equipment, supplies, and program for following season. 
Accept direction, feedback from supervisors, and follow through appropriately. 
Act as a responsible member of the camp community both in and outside of the camp environment during periods of employment. 
Participate in staff and other meetings, such as in-service training and staff development and orientation activities. 
Perform all other duties as assigned. 
 

Requirements

Qualifications: 
Swimming proficiency, comfort in all types of water conditions and ability to teach swimming skills to children. 
Lifeguard certification is required for this position.  AV will provide training if necessary. You must pass the tests.  If you do not pass the certification, you will be assigned to a cabin group.   
Knowledge and ability to evaluate water conditions and determine any potential dangers or hazards. 
Ability to adjust programs as necessary to ensure the safety of the kids.  
Swimming proficiency and comfort in all types of water conditions.  
Ability to judge and evaluate evolving dynamics of individuals participating in water activities to immediate assess their capabilities and threats to their safety. 
Knowledge of waterfront protocols, operational procedures and safety policies.   
Knowledge of methods and techniques for providing on-site emergency medical services.   
 Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.   
Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.   
Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.   
Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.  
Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.  
Willingness to live in a camp setting and work irregular hours delivering program in the facility available.  
Operate with daily exposure to the sun and heat and varying environmental conditions 
Who We’re Looking For: 
We are looking to recruit a team of people whose strengths, skills, and backgrounds are as diverse as those of our campers. We are keen to have people join our team who are:  
Committed to consistent learning and growth.  
Team players, willing to help in all areas 
Organized 
Strong communicators  
Competent and creative problem solvers.  
Passionate  
Energetic and silly  
Kind and compassionate  
Flexible and able to adapt quickly  
Able to stay calm in high-pressure situations.  
Able to work long and challenging days  
Contract Dates: June 20, 2026 – August 7, 2026. This position is required to live on site at 71 Agassiz Village Ln. Poland, ME 04274 (June 14 if training and certification are needed)