Date Posted: June 23, 2026
Position Title: Outdoor Centre Lifeguard
Location: YMCA BC - Camp Elphinstone (1760 YMCA Rd, Gibsons, V0N 1V6, BC)
Term: Temporary, Full time
Start Date: September 7th, 2026
Fall Term: October 18th, 2026
Salary: $146.65 per day
Reports To: Outdoor Centre Coordinator
Nature & Scope
The Outdoor Education & Events Centre is a key operational pillar of YMCA Camp Elphinstone, running primarily during the Spring and Fall seasons. During this time, the camp welcomes a wide range of participants, including school groups of various ages, adult retreats, private rentals, and large-scale events such as weddings.
Lifeguards will play a key role in ensuring the safety, enjoyment, and positive experiences of all participants and staff on the waterfront, delivering high-quality outdoor education programming for elementary and high school students and ensuring a safe waterfront programming experience for all guests.
Our waterfront is a central hub at Camp Elphinstone, where lifeguards are expected to serve as positive role models, training and enforcing waterfront safety regulations. Lifeguards ensure that all swimming and boating activities align with BCCA, Lifesaving Society, and YMCA standards, creating a safe and supportive environment for all.
As part of the program facilitator team, lifeguards work closely with the Outdoor Centre Coordinators to deliver engaging, participant-centered programming across various areas of camp. Lifeguards receive comprehensive training in all camp programs and are expected to uphold risk management policies and procedures in every activity they lead.
Lifeguards are flexible team players who assist as needed in other program areas and contribute to the maintenance of camp facilities through cleaning and crew tasks, helping keep the site in top condition.
Major Responsibilities- in this position, you will:
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Ensure the safety of all participants, guests and staff at the waterfront during all swimming and boating activities
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Regularly inspect, maintain, and inventory all waterfront equipment. Report issues to the coordinators
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Provide positive customer service and high-quality experience to all guests and clients from schools, private rentals and retreats, and weddings
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Work with the other members of the program facilitators team to accomplish shared responsibilities
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Assist with general maintenance, cleaning, and site support duties as required for daily operation
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Be in accordance with all provincial, lifesaving and YMCA standards, policies, and procedures
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Ensure all participants and staff follow camp rules, respecting each other and the facility
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Uphold YMCA standards reflecting its mission and values in daily duties
Key Competencies, Skills & Attributes
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Attention to detail
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Good time management
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Good communication and interpersonal skills, especially verbal communication
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Strong initiative and accountability
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Willingness to learn and develop new skills
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Willingness to work flexible schedules, including long days and weekends
Qualification-you bring:
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Standard First Aid & CPR-C
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NLS (Pool or Waterfront)
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Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card
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Previous transferable work experience or skills from a variety of backgrounds, previous outdoor related experience is an asset
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Must be available to live onsite at Camp Elphinstone during contract
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Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date
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3 successful reference checks
Additional Qualifications (assets)
- CANSail Instructor
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Paddle Canada Instructor
About Camp Elphinstone:
YMCA Camp Elphinstone, located near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. Nestled on 144 acres of temperate rainforest along the shores of Howe Sound, the camp offers a variety of programs for youth ages 5-17 during July and August. These include one- and two-week overnight camps, Leadership Development programs, multi-day paddling and hiking trips, and day camps. From September to June, Camp Elphinstone functions as an Outdoor Education, Event, and Retreat Centre, hosting schools, conferences, weddings, and other special interest groups. Annually, the camp serves over 10,000 participants.
YMCA Camp Elphinstone can accommodate and dine up to 472 campers or guests. During July and August, the camp employs around 140 staff and volunteers, while the spring and fall Outdoor Education seasons see a team of 20-50 members. In the winter season, a smaller core team of 10 staff members is maintained. Successful staff at Camp Elphinstone are self-motivated individuals dedicated to helping children and youth thrive in an outdoor camp setting, and they are committed to providing 5-star customer service to all client groups.
We acknowledge that the land where YMCA Camp Elphinstone operates is the traditional, unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh-ulh Temíx̱w (Squamish) Nation since time immemorial. Further, we recognize that our camp activities extend across the Sunshine Coast, which includes the traditional and unceded territories of several Coast Salish Nations, whose peoples have stewarded and continue to protect and care for the lands, waterways and airways where we are grateful to live, work, play and learn.
About YMCA BC:
By igniting belonging and championing health equity, YMCA BC strengthens the foundations of community. With over 3,000 employees and volunteers, YMCA BC serves 150,000 individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across hundreds of service locations, from the Sunshine Coast to Fort St. John.
As a charity, YMCA BC promotes equitable access to healthier outcomes by providing vital programs and services to help address many of our communities' most pressing social issues, including health and wellness, affordable child care and camps, mental health, employment services and community health.
We believe there is potential inside all of us and envision vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for all.
YMCA BC is firmly committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB). By taking an intersectional approach to our programs and services, the YMCA is committed to creating spaces and experiences where everyone feels safe, welcome, and like they belong. Learn more at www.ymcabc.ca
Application Process-ready to make a difference?
We invite you to apply today and find your WHY!
Internal Applicants: Please apply online to this position through the ADP Workforce Now Career Centre. (Myself/Talent/Career Centre)
Application Deadline: This process will continue until all positions have been filled. However, please apply early for your preferred positions.
Throughout the recruitment process, our main method of contact is via email. As such, we ask that you please monitor your emails regularly and respond to any emails from us in a timely manner. Any delays in communication can significantly impact the recruitment process, especially if deadlines are missed.
Please include any and all relevant certifications in your online application.
You will receive an automated notification to confirm receipt of your application.
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If short-listed for a position: We will contact, you to move forward to the next step. Throughout the recruitment process, our main method of contact is via email. As such, we ask that you please monitor your emails regularly and respond to any emails from us in a timely manner.
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If not selected for a specific posting: Continue applying for future positions matching your qualifications and interests.
Note: Depending on the role, we may be required to prioritize internal applicants. At YMCA BC, we approach each hiring process individually, recognizing that people bring diverse experiences and strengths. If this opportunity speaks to you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every listed qualification. Your unique background might be just what we’re looking for. And if this role isn’t the right fit, we hope you’ll continue exploring future opportunities with us that align with your skills and aspirations.
YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People Services department.
Thank you for your interest and application.
