Job Description

Aquatics Guard / Aquatics Instructor

Location

Niagara West YMCA, Grimsby
Pay

Guard: $18.11 per hour to start
Instructor: $18.57 per hour to start
YMCA Membership benefits upon hire

Employment Type
Part Time: Up to 15 hours per week
Occasional early mornings, evening & weekend hours
Vacancies
4
Placement Date
August 2026

Work for a charity that ignites the potential in people. Every. Single. Day.

At the YMCA of Niagara, you’ll be part of a purpose-led organization with a clear focus on community well-being. Our work is powered by relationships and grounded in inclusion. We support people of all ages and circumstances with opportunities that build health, belonging, and connection so individuals and families can grow, lead, and give back.

For more than 165 years, we have been part of the fabric of this region, evolving alongside Niagara and showing up where the need is greatest. With a presence in over 125 program sites, we continue to expand what well-being can look like, creating welcoming spaces where more people can participate and feel they belong.

Guided by our shared values of caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect, advocacy, and responsibility, the YMCA offers meaningful roles where your work is felt every day. If you’re ready to bring energy and care to a team that keeps moving forward, you’ll find purpose here.

NATURE & SCOPE

The YMCA Lifeguard/Instructor position plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals utilizing aquatic facilities while also facilitating swim instruction programs. This role requires a strong commitment to water safety, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for promoting physical fitness and aquatic skill development. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for providing excellent member service following Y WAY standards and principles. 
• To instruct by and follow YMCA Canada Swim Guidelines and Practices. 
• To lifeguard in accordance to YMCA of Niagara Guidelines and Practices, Ontario Health Regulations and TSSA Standards [where applicable]. 
• Support and work as part of a staff/volunteer team. 
• Responsible for the safety and security of the members and participants. 
• Participate with the children in a positive and supportive manner taking into consideration each child’s uniqueness. 
• Administrative duties associated with instructing and lifeguarding. 
• To keep program areas clean, organized and safe for everyone’s use. 
• Participate in training and adhere to the YMCA Child Protection Policies and Procedures as established by the YMCA of Niagara. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with children in a recreational setting. 
• Current Intermediate/Standard First Aid/CPR[C] – must be a certificate that meets O.Reg 565 Public Pool Regulations
• Current NLS
• Current YNCA Swim Instructor or equivalent Lifesaving Society Instructors within 2 years from date of issue
• YMCA Aquatic Fitness certification or equivalent (recommended). 
• Advanced instructors would be an asset. 
• Upon hiring, applicants 18 years of age and older must submit a clear and satisfactory criminal reference check inclusive of the vulnerable sector search (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara.

COMPETENCIES:

Commitment to Vision and Values 

Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and an appreciation for the mission, vision, values. 

Concern for Health and Safety 

Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others of risk and harm reduction. 

Quality Focus 

Ensures that YMCA programs and services are superior. 

Service Orientation 

Deliberately identifies and creates opportunities to enhance every person’s YMCA experience. 

Teamwork 

Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by noon on September 4, 2026.

Internal applicants are encouraged to apply on our internal job board by logging into their UKG portal and navigating to Myself > My Company > View Opportunities. Internal applicants are also encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying.

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted by email.

Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.

For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit: ymcaofniagara.org