Rate of Pay: $139.93 per day 

Position Status: Seasonal Contract, Full time  

Term: June 22nd – August 23rd OR August 30th, 2025  

Reports To: Waterfront Supervisor 

Situation 

YMCA Camp Elphinstone is located near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast, a 40-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. It is situated on 144 acres of temperate rainforest along the shores of Howe Sound. During July and August, Camp Elphinstone offers programs for youth ages 5-17, including one and two week overnight camps, Leadership Development programs, paddling and hiking multi-day out-trips, and day camps. From September to June, Camp Elphinstone operates as an Outdoor Education, Event and Retreat Centre for schools, conferences, weddings, and other special interest groups. Camp Elphinstone currently serves over 10,000 participants annually.  

YMCA Camp Elphinstone has accommodation and dining for up to 472 campers or guests. Camp Elphinstone employs approximately 140 staff/volunteers during July and August, with a team between 20-50 for the spring and fall Outdoor Education seasons, and a smaller core team of 10 staff during the winter season. Successful Camp Elphinstone staff are self-motivated individuals whose ambition is to help children and youth develop in an outdoor camp setting, and who believe in 5-star customer service for all client groups.  

Nature & Scope 

YMCA Camp Elphinstone is seeking individuals to fill the role of Lifeguard. 

The Lifeguards are responsible for the safety and positive experience of all campers and staff on the waterfront and they ensure swimming and boating activities meet BCCA, Lifesaving and YMCA standards.  

The waterfront is one of the focal points of Camp Elphinstone and lifeguards are required to positively role model, teach and enforce waterfront safety rules and regulations for all campers and staff. Lifeguards also instruct Bronze Cross/Bronze Medallion courses to our Leadership Development campers.  

The Lifeguard is a member of the program staff team at camp. The program staff team plays a crucial role in delivering engaging camp activities and assisting fellow staff with program implementation. In addition to instructing camp activities, program staff contribute to camper supervision, provide evening cabin support, facilitate early morning and evening programs, manage program logistics, and ensure the care and maintenance of camp equipment. Program staff are also expected to provide cabin support as needed to enhance the overall camp experience and ensure a safe, supportive environment for all campers. 

Responsibilities 

• Ensure the safety of all campers and staff at the waterfront during all swimming and boating activities.
• Regularly inspect, maintain, and inventory all waterfront equipment. Report issues to the Waterfront Director.
• Work with the other waterfront staff to be prepared and familiar with Camp Elphinstone’s waterfront emergency procedures.
• Work with the other members of the program staff team to accomplish shared responsibilities
• Be in accordance with all provincial, lifesaving and YMCA standards, policies, and procedures

Qualifications 

• Standard First Aid & CPR-C 
• NLS (pool or waterfront)
• Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card
• Criminal Reference Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening issued no later than six (6) months preceding start date 
• 2 successful reference checks

Additional Qualifications (assets)

• CANSail Instructor
• Paddle Canada Instructor