Lifeguard and Swim Instructor

Aquatics Staff

Lifeguard Water Safety Instructor

About Laurel Hill Summer Camp

For over 50 years, Laurel Hill Summer Camp has been one of Suffolk County’s most respected day camps. Located in East Setauket, Long Island, we serve children from Preschool through 10th grade. Swimming is a central part of every camper’s day — from structured Red Cross-aligned instruction each morning to supervised free swim in the afternoon.

Our aquatics program operates under the direction of Pool Supervisor Willie Schmidt. All swim staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of water safety, maintain professional conduct at all times, and model the values of Laurel Hill Camp for every camper they work with.

Season & Schedule

Camp Season: June 29 – August 21, 2026
Orientation: June 24–25, 2026 (mandatory; compensated at $100/day)
Reporting Line: Aquatics Director & Pool Supervisor

Dress Code

All swim staff must wear the LHS staff shirt when not in the water. While on pool deck or in the water: Women — red lifeguard bathing suit with LG emblem; Men — red lifeguard trunks. Uniform apparel is required at all times while on duty.

After-Hours Obligations (Both Roles)

• Staff meetings — may occur before or after regular camp hours
• Late Night camp evenings: evening swim duties, twice per summer
• Staff Swim: supervise weekly after-camp swim for counselors, at least 3 times during the season
• Final-week facility and pool equipment cleanup (approximately August 19–21, 4:00–7:00 pm)

Conditions of Employment (Both Roles)

• Submission of all valid and current certifications prior to first day (Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid — and WSI if applicable)
• Submission of written lesson plans for daily and rainy-day swim instruction (due June 22, 2026)
• Participation in theme day activities and support of special events
• Daily cleanup and maintenance of pool areas and equipment after camper dismissal
• Completion of camp-provided child safety and protection awareness training required prior to first day with campers

Position 1: Lifeguard

Hourly Pay: $20.00-$25.00/hr, payable bi-weekly

Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (to be confirmed)

Additional: Eligible for bonuses and tips

Position Overview

The Lifeguard is responsible for the active, uninterrupted surveillance of all campers in and around the pool during both instructional swim and free swim periods. This is a safety-critical role: lifeguards must maintain constant visual coverage of the water, enforce all pool rules without exception, and respond immediately and effectively to any emergency. Lifeguards also support swim instruction and collaborate closely with Water Safety Instructors and fellow aquatics staff.

Responsibilities

Surveillance & Safety

• Maintain constant, undivided supervision of campers in the pool at all times — do not engage in casual conversation or activities that divert attention from the water
• Respond immediately and appropriately to any emergency in or around the pool
• Enforce all pool safety rules and procedures to prevent accidents and maintain order
• Oversee the buddy check system during your assigned periods; ensure all campers are accounted for at every check
• Ensure that only campers with wristbands (Level 3 and above) use the diving board or pool slide
• Confirm campers remain in their assigned pool sections at all times

Swim Instruction Support

• Support and deliver swim lessons as assigned, following Red Cross swim levels
• Submit and follow professional written lesson plans
• Adjust instruction based on camper swim levels and progress
• Coordinate with the assigned counselor group on buddy assignments and recordkeeping at the start of each period

Maintenance & Pool Operations

• Perform assigned daily pool maintenance tasks
• Assist with setup and breakdown of pool area and equipment each day
• Ensure lifeguard equipment (rescue tubes, first aid supplies, etc.) is in place and ready before each period

Team & Camp Participation

• Collaborate with the Aquatics Director, fellow lifeguards, and counselors to ensure a safe and enriching swim experience
• Build positive rapport with campers and model responsible, professional behavior at all times
• Participate in staff meetings, theme days, and camp-wide events as directed

Qualifications

• Current Lifeguard certification from a nationally recognized certifying body (e.g., American Red Cross, YMCA)
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Demonstrated ability to maintain calm, focused surveillance over an active pool environment
• Strong swimming ability and physical fitness required; must be able to perform water rescues
• Ability to remain alert and attentive throughout a full pool-side shift in an outdoor environment
• WSI certification a plus but not required for this role
• Prior experience lifeguarding at a youth camp or recreational facility preferred

Position 2: Water Safety Instructor

Hourly Pay: $24.00-$27.50/hr, payable bi-weekly

Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (to be confirmed)

Additional: Eligible for bonuses and tips

Position Overview

The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) leads structured swim instruction for rotating camper groups each morning, following the American Red Cross progressive swim levels. WSIs are the primary instructors in the aquatics program and are expected to deliver well-planned, age-appropriate lessons that build camper skill and confidence in the water. WSIs also serve lifeguard duties during free swim periods and support the broader aquatics team throughout the day.

Responsibilities

Swim Instruction

• Plan and deliver structured, Red Cross-aligned swim lessons to assigned camper groups each morning
• Submit written weekly lesson plans covering daily instruction and rainy-day alternatives (initial plans due June 22, 2026)
• Assess new camper swim ability and place campers in the appropriate Red Cross level
• Re-evaluate camper placement at the 4-week and 8-week marks; ensure progress reports and swim cards are accurate
• Adapt lessons to the developmental level and individual ability of each camper group, including Preschool
• Guide assigned counselors on how to support instruction during each session

Surveillance & Safety

• Maintain constant supervision of campers in the pool at all times during your assigned periods
• Respond immediately and effectively to any emergency in or around the pool
• Enforce all pool safety rules and procedures without exception
• Oversee and manage the buddy check system during assigned periods
• Serve as an active lifeguard during afternoon free swim as assigned

Maintenance & Pool Operations

• Perform assigned daily pool maintenance tasks
• Assist with setup and breakdown of pool area and equipment each day
• Collect and review lesson plans from assigned staff; provide feedback to support instructional quality

Team & Camp Participation

• Collaborate with the Aquatics Director, fellow swim staff, and counselors to maintain a cohesive, high-quality aquatics program
• Model professional, safety-first conduct at all times as a standard for the broader swim team
• Participate in staff meetings, theme days, and camp-wide events as directed
• Support orientation by demonstrating teaching techniques and lesson structure to incoming swim staff

Qualifications

• Current Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification from the American Red Cross or equivalent nationally recognized body
• Current Lifeguard certification from a nationally recognized certifying body
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Experience delivering structured swim instruction to children, including young children (Preschool age)
• Ability to assess swimmer ability accurately and design progressive, level-appropriate lessons
• Strong swimming ability and physical fitness; must be able to perform water rescues
• Ability to remain focused and attentive during a full pool-side shift in an outdoor environment
• Prior experience as a WSI at a youth camp or recreational swim program preferred

What We Offer — Both Positions

• Competitive hourly pay with bonus and tip eligibility
• Camp shirts and uniform provided
• A safety-focused, team-oriented aquatics environment with experienced leadership
• The opportunity to develop real aquatic instruction and emergency response skills while making a meaningful difference in campers’ lives

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an application via the link below:
https://airtable.com/appR2ZlcwVqFVQbxy/pag0IWjKITsNyX25v/form

Please include a resume and a brief cover letter describing your aquatics experience and why you want to join the Laurel Hill team.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Seasonal

Pay: $20.00 - $27.50 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Have you applied via the application link?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25