Waterfront Lifeguard

At the Y, we believe children discover themselves through interactions with others and having the freedom to explore. YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir immerses children in a community where making friends is natural, exploring new interests is encouraged, and discovering inner strength is guaranteed. YMCA Camp teaches self-reliance, instills a love for nature and the outdoors, and builds character and leadership amidst the fun of campfires, canoeing, archery, friends, zip-lining, paddle boarding, mentorships, ropes course, and so much more.

YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir is positively the best way to change a child’s life.

Our YMCA Camp Horsethief Reservoir is ACA-Accredited. This means that the American Camping Association, the only national accrediting body for camps of all types, has ensured that the YMCA Camp at Horsethief Reservoir meets the accreditation standards for health, safety and risk management. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s commitment to the well-being of campers and staff.

The Waterfront Lifeguard position is responsible for creating a safe environment for aquatics participants and serving as First Responder in emergency situations. This would be a waterfront unique/open body of water duties.

• Monitor and ensure safety of participants, staff, and volunteers at assigned program areas by adhering to YMCA Lifeguarding and association lifeguard standards.
• Communicate and enforce water safety rules to participants, staff and volunteers.
• Serve as First Responder in Waterfront emergency situations.
• Ensure program area and equipment is ready for use and deemed safe in a variety of water activities.
• Administer swim tests to participants according to association guidelines.
• Completes incident and accident reports as required.
• Promote inclusiveness and community amongst participants and other staff members.

• Must be at least 16 years old at the start of employment.
• Lifeguard Certification.
• Lifeguard Instructor Certification preferred.
• Ability to live on site during scheduled program times.
• Experience in outdoor waterfront preferred.
• Experience in directing others preferred.

This is a seasonal position from May 18, 2026, through August 1, 2026. Typical camp schedule for each session will be Sunday - Friday but occasional Saturdays will be required. All camp staff receive at least 24-hour time off period every 7 days between sessions, as well as scheduled time off each day during sessions. Must be able to live at YMCA camp facilities in Cascade, Idaho during program delivery times.

At the Y, we welcome everyone whose behavior adheres to our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We advance our cause by building a stronger and more equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, thrive, and reach their full potential with dignity. The Y is a force for building bridges among all people–regardless of ability, age, birthplace, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, race, or sexual orientation.

The Y is for all.

External candidates must complete an online application. If you have any questions regarding the position, please visit our website atvidaho.org or contact jobs. All current and previous YMCA staff must apply through their UKG account, and updated resume and cover letter are recommended.