Lifeguard/Instructor - Full Time

Location: Stratford Family YMCA, Stratford-Perth Region

Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Daytime and Weekend availability required 

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: October 2026 ​​​

Deadline to Apply: October 16, 2026 

Hourly Starting Rate: $19.00

Total Rewards Package:  

Time Away from Work

At the YMCA of Three Rivers, we value work-life harmony. Full-time team members start with:

• ​3 weeks of vacation, with the opportunity to earn more as their length of service increases
• 12 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available

Pension Plan

Full-time employees can join our group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment. Employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay, which the Y, matches. After three consecutive years of service, participation in the YMCA pension plan becomes mandatory for full-time employees.

Health, Dental, and Well-Being Benefits

The YMCA of Three Rivers offers a comprehensive group benefits package to full-time employees (starting 3 months after the start date), including:

• ​Prescription drugs, Basic dental coverage, Paramedical services, Vision care
• ​Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services
• ​A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers
• ​Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

Role Overview: 

Who we are…

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here. 

We strive to be a great place to work for all employees to live in purpose, passion and potential Shine! 

This is where you come in. 

What you will bring…

• You will create an enthusiastic, inclusive, and safe aquatic environment for all participants, members, and staff. 
• Foster safety by enforcing all rules and lifeguarding standards, maintaining order in designated areas to prevent accidents. 
  
• Deliver high-quality swim instruction to diverse groups of all abilities, following the established curriculum. 
  
• Provide motivation, encouragement, and constructive feedback to participants and their guardians, and submit timely, well-written progress reports. 
• Build strong relationships and communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, participants, and members. 
• Respond confidently to emergencies using best practices learned through training. 
• Set up and take down recreational, program, and lifesaving equipment, ensuring it is safe and in good repair. 
• Maintain all required certifications to support a safe and professional aquatic experience.​

What you will bring…

• You are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all.
• You bring a passion for working with youth and supporting diverse needs with sensitivity and care.
• You have strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and communicate effectively with staff, members, and pool patrons.
  
• You hold current certifications in:
  • National Lifeguard
  • Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED
  • Swim Instructor
  • Additional certifications such as aquatic fitness or advanced instructor credentials are considered an asset

Additional Information: 

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Child and Youth 

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) 

We embrace the values of Justice, Access, Inclusion Diversity and Equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.

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Studies have shown that women and people of equity deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting.  We understand the knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined.

Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers. 

Our Commitment to Privacy 

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws.  We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information-handling practices that are in keeping with privacy laws.  Please visit our website for more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy.  

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted. 

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page.