Overnight Summer Camp Counselor and Ocean Lifeguard - Camp Surf

Overnight Summer Camp Counselor and Ocean Lifeguard – Camp Surf Responsibilities

• Practice preventative lifeguard techniques at all times.
• Maintain high standards of skill in First Aid, CPR, oxygen administration, and effective interface with local EMS.
• Assume full responsibility for a cabin group of 8–12 children, supervising them 24 hours per day (evenings, overnights, mealtimes, and most activity times).
• Teach outdoor education and recreation programming, lead activities for students and participants.
• Lead a variety of activities, including kayaking, swimming, surfing, and other water‑related sports.
• Employ good teaching and leadership techniques to provide quality instruction.
• Take full responsibility for the program areas of camp or assigned activity, enforcing procedures, ensuring adequate program supplies, and maintaining or improving equipment and facilities.
• Ensure camp operating procedures are always followed and use good judgment to make conservative decisions that ensure the safety of the children.
• Follow all rules and instructions, carry, and use necessary equipment during activities, and know and follow camp emergency procedures.
• Demonstrate a strong sense of investment in camp by actively supporting the cleanliness of facilities, care of equipment and supplies, and stewardship of the natural environment.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with the team of other lifeguards, camp counselors and directors.
• Ensure proper care of waterfront, including appropriate use and accurate inventory of program equipment.
• Perform rescues and administer medical aid as needed.
• Safeguard the ocean and beach by maintaining surveillance over an assigned area from a station or patrols in a radio‑equipped emergency vehicle, and take preventative actions and safety interventions to protect life and prevent accidents.
• Follow the specific directives of the Waterfront Unit Leader, Program Directors, and Camp Surf Director.
• Observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures.
• Teach and lead activities, and live on‑site during program season.
• Have visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.
• Possess the physical ability to lead and interact in group activities, including standing, hiking and/or climbing for extended periods of time.
• Maintain good customer service and communication skills when interacting with children, parents and the community.

• At least 18 years of age and have obtained a high‑school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, recreation, related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Successful completion of on‑site ASHI Advanced First Aid course and monthly in‑service drills and training.
• Experience working with youth in outdoor education, overnight camp, day camp or similar setting.
• Preferred certifications or experience in climbing, camping, archery, hiking, biking, surfing, swimming, sailing, open‑water lifeguarding, kayaking, and scuba diving.
• Must contain a USLA (United States Lifesaving Association) Certificate.
• Complete 60‑hour USLA Open Water Lifeguard Certification.
• Must be able to complete a 1‑mile run in under 8 minutes and a 600‑yard ocean swim in 10 minutes or less.
• BLS, Advanced First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certification required within 30 days of hire, from one of the following certifying organizations:
  American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute.

USD $98.17 – $104.97 per day

Entry level

Part‑time

Education and Training

Non‑profit Organizations

Imperial Beach, CA