Description

The Boys’ Club of New York (BCNY) operates a premier sleep-away camp experience designed for 10 to 17-year-old boys and young men to grow through adventure, community, and skill building. Since 1876, BCNY has created environments where young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, grounded in our core values of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Community.

At Harriman Basecamp, members engage in structured programs that promote healthy minds and bodies, expand their talents, and encourage positive peer relationships. Guided by evidence-based youth development practices and our commitment to the 4 Cs, BCNY’s Basecamp programs aim to set a high standard for outdoor education and character development. To strengthen this mission, we continue to build a dedicated team of camp professionals who can deepen and broaden our impact each season.

Job Summary

The Lifeguard is a vital, entry-level leadership role at the heart of the Harriman Basecamp waterfront experience. As a frontline safety professional, Lifeguards play a critical role in creating a fun, confident, and well-supervised environment where campers can safely explore swimming and a wide range of waterfront activities. In addition to ensuring safety and enforcing waterfront rules, Lifeguards help campers build confidence, develop skills, and enjoy meaningful experiences in and around the water.

Lifeguards work under the direction of the Waterfront Director, with support from the Associate Camp Director, and collaborate closely with Cabin Counselors, Division Leaders, and activity staff to maintain safe staff-to-camper ratios and consistent supervision during waterfront and camp-wide programming.

Candidates without a current lifeguard certification are encouraged to apply and must successfully complete both the Boys’ Club of New York Lifeguard Training and Waterfront Skills Lifeguard Training prior to the start of General Staff Training

Mandatory attendance at full pre-camp staff training (June 22 – July 3) is required to ensure readiness in behavior management, camper supervision, safety protocols, and camp culture alignment.

Responsibilities

Waterfront Safety & Supervision

• Supervise all swimming and waterfront activity areas to ensure camper safety and consistent enforcement of waterfront rules, safety standards, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain appropriate staff-to-camper ratios during waterfront programs and support leadership with coverage adjustments as needed.
• Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies, including rescues, first aid, and activation of emergency action plans.

Camper Engagement & Skill Support

• Support campers in building confidence, comfort, and foundational aquatic skills.
• Provide clear safety instructions and expectations before and during waterfront activities.
• Encourage positive behavior, cooperation, and respect among campers at the waterfront.
• Assist with swim testing and skill-based supervision as assigned.

Waterfront & Camp-Wide Program Support

• Assist with non-swimming waterfront activities, including canoeing, fishing, and other programs involving proximity to water.
• Support camp-wide activities as assigned, in collaboration with the Camp Program Director and Activity Division Leaders.
• Work rotating schedules that may include coverage across multiple waterfront activity areas.

Training, Documentation & Collaboration

• Participate in General Staff Training supporting the Waterfront Director with staff Waterfront Orientation, including buddy board procedures, supervision expectations, and safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to swim tests, incidents, and safety concerns.
• Communicate safety observations and concerns to Division Leaders and waterfront leadership in a timely manner.
• Serve as a waterfront safety resource during cabin overnight programs, without assuming overnight cabin supervision responsibilities.

Camp-Wide Engagement, Cabin Support, Operations & CIT Mentorship

• Actively participate in daily camp life, supporting cabin routines and community moments including meals, morning reflections, community cyphers, psychological time, evening programs (EPs), and nighttime routines to ensure consistent structure and supervision.
• Support cabin groups daily—at the waterfront or elsewhere as needed—to maintain supervision and appropriate coverage.
• Engage Counselors-in-Training (CITs) as active helpers within waterfront programming, modeling vigilance, safe practices, positive youth engagement, and professionalism.
• Support CIT development by gradually involving them in supervision support, equipment setup, scanning techniques, and peer mentorship under the direction of the Waterfront Director.

Requirements

Qualifications

Lifeguard Certification Requirements:

• Candidates must meet one of the following certification pathways:
• Currently hold a lifeguard certification from a nationally recognized and accredited training organization that includes Waterfront Skills; OR
• Hold a current lifeguard certification from a nationally recognized and accredited training organization and successfully complete the BCNY Waterfront
• Skills Lifeguard Training prior to the start of camp; OR
• Candidates without a current lifeguard certification may apply but must successfully complete both the BCNY Lifeguard Training and BCNY Waterfront Skills
• Lifeguard Training prior to the start of General Staff Training.
• Continued eligibility for the Lifeguard position is contingent upon successful completion of all required certification and training components. Failure to meet these requirements may result in ineligibility for the Lifeguard role for the summer season.
• Entry-level position; prior lifeguarding or camp waterfront experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to remain alert, calm, and responsive in high-pressure situations.
• Strong communication skills and ability to follow safety protocols consistently.
• Ability to work collaboratively with waterfront staff, Division Leaders, and camp leadership.
• Willingness to work rotating schedules and support multiple waterfront activities.
   

Additional Requirements

• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to work a demanding schedule.
• Ability to pass a background check and meet all required immunizations (MMR and Poly required).
• You must be able to work in an outside environment, where you have the ability to walk/hike daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain regardless of weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds, and carry and load luggage, tables, chairs, and other program equipment
• Other duties as assigned