Lifeguard

Description

Spend the summer with the Girl Scouts of Western Washington exploring misty Lake Langlois and our gorgeous 486-acres of rainforest at Camp River Ranch. This lakefront property, nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, is home to an exciting opportunity called Camp S’More. Campers of all ages experience a wide variety of camp activities based on their interest.

Lifeguards work directly with the Waterfront Lead and Waterfront Facilitators to ensure a safe environment for swimming and boating at camp. Lifeguards spend their days supervising swimmers and leading boating activities. Lifeguards also help and participate in various aspects of camp life, such as the Saturday evening campfire, while working with guests. The Lifeguards contribute to harmonious camp operations by exhibiting positive camper engagement.  

Must be willing to work evenings and weekends, with the majority of working hours being Friday through Sunday. This position will average 20-30 hours per week; however, some weeks may be up to 40 hours and others could be less than 20 depending on camp reservations. Overnight communal housing is available; however, staff are not required to stay on camp. Meals will not be provided, however space to cook and store food is available.

The full pay range for this position is $20.76 - $21.50 per day, with the starting rate dependent on previous employment at GSWW camps. This seasonal position will be from June 11th to September 4th, 2025. 

Girl Scouts of Western Washington values diversity, equity, and inclusion and we foster a welcoming, inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, veteran status, sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression of identity), marital status, or the presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability, or any other protected classification under applicable laws.   

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure work areas and activities are safe and meet the requirements of the American Camp Association and Girl Scouts of Western Washington
• Responsible for lifeguarding per American Red Cross Certification standards, American Camp Association standards and Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints
• Maintain visual and auditory awareness of all participants in assigned waterfront areas
• Observe and assess camper behavior for appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques as needed
• Participate in other aspects of camp life, by participating in activities, campfire, staff training, meetings, clean-up of camp, and camp closing
• Complete paperwork in a timely fashion, including Incident Reports
• Carry out assigned duties regarding camper health, safety, program area maintenance and cleanliness, and program goals
• Responsible for checking that the waterfront facilities, equipment, and supplies are clean and maintained in the best possible working order
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as delegated

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good judgment in anticipating and preventing accidents, risk management, and effectiveness in emergencies
• Proven ability to effectively communicate, work with, and teach youth ages 6-17 
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to waterfront activities 
• Possess the strength and endurance required to swim and perform rescues, especially in cold, natural bodies of water

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities of camp staff members 

Education and Experience Required

• 16
• American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard certification with waterfront module, ACA approved equivalent or ability/willingness to obtain 
• GSWW Small Craft Safety qualified in Canoeing, Kayaking, Sailing or ability/willingness to obtain qualification 

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience as a lifeguard, preferably in a waterfront (freshwater lake) setting
• Experience leading boating activities
• Previous experience working in a Girl Scout and/or camp setting
• Comfort with and ability to perform various camp activities such as leading songs, answering questions from guests, etc. 
• Effective communication skills when working with staff and campers in a productive and collaborative way 

Work Environment
Summer camp is a fast-paced outdoor working environment with long hours. Employees are frequently exposed to loud noises, sensory stimulating situations, and physically demanding activities. Employees should feel comfortable with: 

• Working outside in all weather conditions including heat, inclement weather, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water) 
• Working long hours outdoors with irregular schedules including early mornings, weekends, and evenings
• Demonstrate emotional resiliency and regulation to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately 
• Walking over unpaved, uneven, hilly terrain multiple times a day 
• Must be physically able to perform necessary duties as assigned for the safety of all campers and guests
• Responding to emergencies including utilizing skills to administer First Aid/CPR when necessary 
• Maintaining constant supervision and observation of program participants while assessing risk and participant safety 
• If choosing to reside on camp, living conditions will be in a communal setting with limited privacy 

Salary : $21 - $22