Overnight Summer Camp Counselor/Ocean Lifeguard

The Overnight Camp Counselor and Ocean Lifeguard is responsible for the constant supervision, safety, and positive development of a group of 8-12 campers (ages 7-17), especially in the assigned beachfront and ocean areas, performing aquatic rescues, and administering emergency care. This position must maintain high physical fitness standards and pass required semi-monthly in-services and physical drills throughout the season. The OC Counselor and Ocean Lifeguard provides overnight supervision in the sleeping quarters, teaching and leading engaging activities, strictly enforcing all safety protocols and camp policies, and serving as a positive, approachable role model. Due to the residential nature of the role, the OC Counselor and Ocean Lifeguard is required to live on-site for the duration of the camp session and must be available and responsive at all times to address immediate camper needs, emergencies, or unforeseen situations. The OC Counselor and Ocean Lifeguard ensures the camp environment remains welcoming, genuine, and nurturing for all campers and guests while actively contributing to a strong, supportive staff team.

For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

• Assumes full, 24-hour responsibility for a cabin group of 8-12 children (ages 7-17), including all evenings, overnights, mealtimes, transitions, and activity periods; quickly react to and address at any and all times immediate camper needs, emergencies, or unforeseen situations.
• Safeguards the ocean and beach by maintaining surveillance over an assigned area from a station or patrols an assigned area in a radio equipped emergency vehicle, and take preventative actions and safety interventions, in the protection of life and prevention of accidents.
• Practices preventative lifeguard techniques at all times, serving as a prime example of the organization's commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility; performs rescues and administer medical aid as needed, acting swiftly and effectively in dynamic ocean conditions.
• Maintain high standards of skill in First Aid, CPR, oxygen administration, and effective interface with local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency personnel.
• Employs effective teaching and leadership techniques to provide quality instruction and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities, including (but not limited to) archery, field games, and the climbing tower, kayaking, swimming, surfing.
• Exercises sound judgment and make conservative decisions, prioritizing the physical and emotional safety of the children above all else; utilizes proactive and constructive techniques for managing camper behavior and mediating conflicts.
• Consistently enforces all camp safety rules and operating procedures and implements camp emergency procedures when necessary.
• Ensure proper care of the waterfront, including appropriate use, accurate inventory, and maintenance of program equipment (e.g., life jackets, rescue tubes).
• Demonstrate a strong sense of investment in the camp, including maintaining the cleanliness of facilities, ensuring the proper care and inventory of equipment and supplies, and practicing stewardship of the natural environment; participates in various general camp chores, which may include cleaning assigned cabins and bathrooms, assisting with evening programs, special events, and contributing to larger projects as requested by the Program Director.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with the team of other lifeguards, camp counselors, directors, and support staff, actively contributing to a positive staff culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• Formal education, usually obtained by a High School Diploma/GED, or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance, supplemented by specialized training in outdoor and/or aquatic activities (e.g. climbing, camping, archery, hiking, biking, surfing, swimming, sailing, open water lifeguarding, kayaking, and scuba diving), or a related field, AND,

Years of Experience

• A minimum of six (6) months of experience as a camp counselor, youth leader, or in a supervisory role with children ages 7-17, or similar experience.

License & Certifications

• Current United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) Certificate
• Successful completion of American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) Advanced First Aid course is required before the start of the camp season
• Successful completion of the 60-hour USLA Open Water Lifeguard Certification program is required before the start of the camp season
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.
• Advanced First Aid certification is required within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute.
• Emergency Oxygen certification is required within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety & Health Institute

Competencies

• Visual and auditory ability and physical capacity to quickly identify, assess, and respond effectively to critical incidents and emergencies, including performing rescues and rendering emergency medical care.
• Ability to maintain constant, focused observation of assigned ocean and beach areas, recognizing and anticipating hazards (e.g. rips, currents, weather changes) in dynamic, high-risk environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement by successfully participating and completing in semi-monthly in-service drills and training and maintaining all required certifications.
• Ability to adequately observe participant activities, consistently enforce safety regulations, and correctly apply appropriate camp policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
• Physical ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills including standing, walking, hiking, swimming, and/or climbing for extended periods of time, often outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to successfully meet and sustain the minimum fitness standards for ocean rescue, including completing a 1-mile run in under 8 minutes and a 600-yard ocean swim in 10 minutes or less.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and a warm, approachable demeanor when interacting with children, parents, and community members.
• Ability to serve as a positive, mature, and enthusiastic role model for campers, demonstrating integrity, responsibility, and good sportsmanship.
• Strong capacity to work effectively and cooperatively within a staff team, taking direction and contributing positively to the overall camp culture.
• Required ability to live on-site during the full program season, maintaining professional standards with shared staff and campers in all areas at all times

Standard Job Requirements

• Licensing, state law and our government funders are required that all staff (hybrid, remote, or onsite) within YMCA San Diego County are fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications.
  CPR and First Aid certification is required within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute.

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.