Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

All aquatics roles are responsible for ensuring the safety of all individuals in and around aquatic facilities. This includes monitoring swimmers, preventing accidents, and responding quickly to emergencies. Lifeguards also help enforce pool rules, provide basic first aid, and contribute to a welcoming, positive environment for all members/participants. The Aquatics Swim Instructor position focuses on creating a safe, positive environment for swim lessons. The role involves delivering quality instruction, fostering relationships, and ensuring safety and operational standards are met.

Swim Instructor Responsibilities:

Program & Service Delivery

• Is an active in-water swim instructor delivering swimming lessons following the National YMCA Swim Program.
• Preplan swimming lessons to ensure participants achieve their personal goals.
• Track participants’ progress consistently and accurately.
• Use YMCA age and ability appropriate swimming progressions and guidelines to teach participants to swim to the best of their ability.
• Evaluate participants in swim lessons accurately using YMCA standards.
• Communicate to participants and parents accurately regarding abilities and progress on a regular basis.
• Maintains records as required (e.g., attendance, progress reports).
• Address member (parental) concerns and complaints in a timely manner.

Health and Safety

• Maintains a safe and supportive environment for all by following YMCA Health Safety Child Protection and Emergency policies and procedures.
• To recognize unsafe situations or practices and rectify them immediately.

Lifeguard Responsibilities:

Program & Service Delivery

• Maintains active surveillance of the pool area and is not distracted while guarding.
• Is a vigilant on-deck lifeguard – Role models and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines in the aquatics area.
• Performs aquatics facilities audits and all equipment checks (emergency, safety, program), on a regular basis ensuring standards are met and resolving deficiencies and issues.
• Uses off deck time efficiently to maintain cleanliness and safety of the aquatics area. Records completed tasks on the proper form.
• Maintains accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the Alberta health code.
• Ensures aquatics facility is safe by checking the pool for hazardous conditions when arriving.
• Assists in the on-boarding and training of new staff.

Health and Safety

• Maintains a safe and supportive environment for all by following YMCA Health Safety Child Protection and Emergency policies and procedures.
• Enforce pool rules and respond to emergencies if needed.

Administrative Duties

• Accurately complete administrative duties.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 16 years of age (16-17 years under supervision of 18+year old lifeguard).
• Intermediate (Standard) First Aid & CPR-C.
• National Lifeguard Pool.
• YMCA Swim Instructor (YSI) and/or Lifesaving Instructor (LSI).
• YMCA will provide Oxygen Administration (O2) with 6 months of hire date.
• Must obtain National Lifeguard (NL) within first year of hire date.
• National Coaching certification (NCCP) are an asset.
• Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable sector check.
• Well developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create a positive and effective learning environment.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.