The Waterfront staff is responsible for the operation and supervision of all waterfront activities. Our goal is to improve each child's swimming ability while at the same time promoting swimming and boating as enjoyable activities. Swimming classes are conducted primarily in an indoor, heated pool. Weather permitting, activities are held on the lake front on weekends. The Waterfront staff is part of the Activities Department at Bay Cliff, which also includes the Recreation, Arts & Crafts, and Nature Instructors.
Physical and occupational therapists inservice the lifeguards before the campers arrive, on various physical diagnoses the campers may have. Therapists are also available throughout camp to answer questions regarding each camper’s abilities and goals. A summer at Bay Cliff is a unique opportunity for lifeguards to experience working with children with physical challenges.
RESPONSIBLE TO: Head Lifeguard/Waterfront Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisor, Educational Coordinator, Camp Directors
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
A) Have fun, enjoy being with children, and enter enthusiastically into camp life, activities, and routines.
B) Plan and develop fun, entertaining, daily lessons that engage the campers in skill development.
C) Plan and carry out one evening all-camp activity during the summer with the Activities Staff.
D) Keep a notebook of lesson plans, activities, inventory, and ideas as a resource for future instructors.
E) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the Educational Coordinator or Camp Directors.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
POOL & WATERFRONT:
1. Lifeguarding for all camper swimming activities. This may include camper free swims in the evening.
2. Submit lesson plans & provide individual/group instruction following Red Cross procedures.
3. Instruct and manage the class sessions which run for 30 minutes from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 2:45 – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
4. Work with the assistance of the counselors who will be in the pool to help during the class that their campers are scheduled.
5. Assist therapy staff in an “Adapted Aquatics” program for campers with physical impairments.
6. Lifeguard weekend free-time swims, which are done on a sign-up basis for Saturday and Sunday.
7. Set up and supervise all beach and lake swimming activities. Swimming at any location other than the pool must be approved by the Camp Director.
8. Maintain Pool upkeep including backwashing, scrubbing deck and sauna, vacuum pool, water testing, sampling, and reporting to the Health Department.
9. Comply with all State of Michigan requirements to insure safety.
10. Lifeguarding/supervising of all staff “swim & sauna” nights.
BOATING:
11. Provide basic boating instruction including safety techniques. (This applies to those who are certified in a paddle craft area such as canoeing or kayaking.)
12. Accompany all pontoon boat, canoe, kayak, and rowboat activities. All boating activities must be approved by the Program Department or Camp Directors.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
13. Responsible for the provision for all required safety equipment as well as being knowledgeable in the use of the equipment.
14. Conduct daily inspection of swim, sauna, and shower areas and equipment for safety, cleanliness, and good repair.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
15. Provide a written inventory of equipment to the Educational Coordinator at the beginning and at the end of camp. Store all equipment for safety.
16. Daily clean & sanitize bathrooms, shower areas, and sauna.
17. Participate in the general camp program. This includes attendance at meals, helping counselors at evening programs, and participating in all-camp activities such as the 4th of July celebration and Bay Cliff's annual (but surprise!) birthday party.
18. Accept assignments to help in other areas of camp when the pool is not operating.
19. Accept an assignment of Rest Counsel with the campers, 2-3 times, as needed.
20. Clean and maintain living quarters at the beginning, during, and at the end of camp.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Lifeguard/Waterfront Personnel
1. At least 18 years of age and one year of college preferred.
2. Must have satisfactorily completed training and have current certification equivalent to the Red Cross requirements for Lifeguard Training and CPR for children and adults.
Water Safety Instructor
1. At least 18 years of age and one year of college preferred.
2. Must have satisfactorily completed training and have current certification equivalent to the Red Cross requirements for WSI and CPR for children and adults.
Additional requirements
1. Ability to work with others in a spirit of cooperation, patience, and respect.
2. Mature with good common sense.
3. Desire to live and work in a camp setting.
4. Flexibility, dependability.
5. A love for children is a must!
Revised 2009
