Lifeguard / Swim Instructor
RA Centre – Ottawa, ON
Position Type: Part-Time / Seasonal
Department: Aquatics
Reports To: Pool Coordinator and Head Lifeguard
Contract Period: June 30th to August 30th, 2026.
The RA Centre is looking for a confident, responsible, and enthusiastic Lifeguard / Swim Instructor to join our Aquatics team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with children, families, and community members in a fun, active, and team-focused environment.
Lifeguards and Swim Instructors are responsible for helping ensure the safety of patrons and guests in the RA Centre’s Aquatic facility by preventing and responding to emergencies, supporting pool operations, and delivering safe, inclusive, and engaging swimming lessons.
Available Shifts
We are currently looking for candidates who can support some or all of the following shifts:
- Monday to Friday AM LTS shifts
- Monday and Wednesday Lifeguard: 3:00pm–7:00pm
- Tuesday and Thursday LTS: 5:00pm–8:00pm
- Friday Lifeguard: 3:00pm–7:00pm
- Saturday AM LTS: 9:00am–12:00pm
- Saturday Lifeguard: 12:00pm–6:00pm
- Sunday AM LTS: 9:00am–12:00pm
- Sunday Lifeguard: 12:00pm–5:00pm
Applicants do not need to be available for every shift, but strong availability across evenings and weekends is an asset.
Key Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Pool Coordinator and Head Lifeguard, the Lifeguard / Swim Instructor will:
- Provide proactive lifeguarding and safety supervision during aquatic programs, public swims, lessons, and camp swims.
- Educate patrons on pool safety and help prevent incidents before they happen.
- Deliver high-quality instructional swimming programs in a fun, safe, and inclusive way.
- Respond to emergencies and provide treatment as required, following RA Centre protocols.
- Provide clear and helpful feedback to swimmers, students, and parents regarding progress.
- Communicate professionally and courteously with patrons, families, staff, and program participants.
- Maintain a positive attitude and a high standard of customer service.
- Assist with aquatic equipment set-up, take-down, and proper care while in use.
- Support cashier, sales, clerical, and administrative duties as required.
- Complete cleaning and maintenance duties within the aquatic facility, including pool deck and scum line cleaning.
- Attend required training sessions, in-service training, staff meetings, and pre-season training.
- Work cooperatively with RA Centre employees, Aquatics staff, and Summer Program staff.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Pool Coordinator, Head Lifeguard, or Head, Camp & Children’s Programs.
Qualifications
The successful candidate must:
- Be at least 17 years of age.
- Hold a current National Lifeguard Service award.
- Hold a current Standard First Aid and CPR certification.
- Hold a current Red Cross Instructor certificate.
- Hold a current Lifesaving Society Instructor certificate, preferred.
- Have or be willing to obtain a valid Ottawa Police Records Check for the Vulnerable Sector.
- Have previous experience lifeguarding and/or instructing swimming lessons.
- Demonstrate strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Be comfortable working in a team environment.
- Be comfortable working in and around a chlorinated outdoor pool on a regular basis.
- Be comfortable working with children, families, and the public.
- Be willing to successfully complete a water screening and interview.
- Bilingualism is considered an asset.
Physical Requirements
This role requires the ability to work in an active aquatics environment. Candidates must be able to navigate a large facility, participate in pool-related activities, demonstrate mobility through bending, squatting, kneeling, rotating, and moving quickly when needed, and lift objects up to 25 lbs / 11 kg.
Candidates must also be comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments, spending shifts in a chlorinated pool setting, and working in a stimulating and sometimes loud environment for extended periods of time.
AI will not be used in the screening process of this position.
Pay: $18.50-$18.75 per hour
Benefits:
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- How many years of lifeguarding/instructing experience do you have? Please elaborate on your experience.
- What email is best to reach you at to schedule an online interview?
Work Location: In person
