Lifeguard - JCC Rainbow Day Camp

JCC Rainbow Day Camp is hiring energetic, passionate and hard-working individuals as Lifeguards. Lifeguards are responsible for supervising waterfront areas to ensure a fun and safe experience for all campers.

Albert and Ann Deshur JCC Rainbow Day Camp is an inclusive summer camp, guided by Jewish values, for children and teens that fosters personal development, friendship and community. Led by experienced and nurturing staff on over 100 picturesque acres, campers safely play and learn through a variety of enriching activities and innovative programs.

Position Summary

Lifeguards are responsible for supervising the aquatic areas to prevent accidents, assist swimmers, and respond to emergencies. Lifeguards will create a safe, enjoyable and positive atmosphere that promotes campers success. All members of the lifeguard team oversee multiple swim locations and activities including free swim, boating, inflatable obstacle course, and beach play. Lifeguards may also be placed in groups to assist camp counselors when necessary.

Camp Dates:

Staff Orientation: June 8-12, 2026

Camp Dates: June 15 – August 14, 2026

*additional nights and weekends may be added as summer approaches

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain constant surveillance of the pool and agam (pond) areas.
• Know and review all emergency procedures and respond to emergency situations immediately.
• Perform first aid when necessary and complete appropriate incident/accident reports
• Know, understand, and consistently communicate policies and guidelines for waterfronts
• Enforce stoplight system for camper safety in the water
• Actively participate in all camp activities with campers.
• Ensure that the site is kept clean, organized, and free of litter.
• Communicate with camp director about participant’s experiences (positive and negative).
• Ability to contribute to the Rainbow Day Camp team through spirit, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.
• Develop an appropriate counselor/camper relationship with every camper.
• Be a quality role model for children.
• Be able to encourage, support, and set limits for children.
• Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the camp program.
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the camp and all program areas. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for your campers’ safety and their whereabouts at all times.
• Participation in activities such as spirit days, camp programs, and songs.
• Position requires all staff members to actively work outdoors in warm weather conditions, including sun exposure, for most of the camp day.

An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements (KSAs)

• Must be at least 16-years old by June 1, 2026.
• Current lifeguard certification OR proper completion of in-house certification course
• Ability to recognize swimmers who may need assistance
• Ability to recognize and remedy hazardous/dangerous situations
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and complete tasks with minimal direct supervision
• Strong organizational and communication skills

Education and/or Experience

• One year of education classes or experience in camp, youth programs, recreation, working with children, or in a related field is preferred. 

Physical Demands:

• Ability to pass lifeguard water testing and skills verifications
• Must be able to remain alert with no lapses of consciousness in a warm environment with air temperatures of 80 degrees or higher
• Must be able to sit or stand for expended periods of time
• Ability to hear noises and distress signals
• Observe all areas of aquatics with clear vision
• Be able to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for water rescue, including swimming quickly, supporting adult body weight while swimming, and removing adult body weight from the pool
• Communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.
• Position requires all staff members to actively work outdoors in warm weather conditions, including sun exposure, for most of the camp day.

What do we offer?

Harry & Rose Samson Family JCC offers a challenging, dynamic, multicultural work environment with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Uniquely JCC Benefits

• JCC Membership: Every active staff member receives full JCC membership at no cost, which includes member access to our state-of-the-art fitness and aquatics facility in Whitefish Bay.
• JCC Program Discounts: Employees receive significant discounts on virtually all programs offered at the JCC and are actively encouraged to participate in our early education, wellness, camping, cultural, and enrichment programs.

The JCC is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity at Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please call (414) 964-4444 or contact us at hr at jccmilwaukee dot org