Job Description
Aquatics Team — Head of the Pool + Swim Counselors / Lifeguards Location: Bahama, NC | Pay: ($19–$21) | Type: Seasonal, full-time summer Schedule: June 8, 2026 to August 7, 2026. Mon–Thu 8:45am–4:15pm; Fri 8:45am–4:30pm, with some evenings, a possible sleepover, and training before the season. About Camp Riverlea Camp Riverlea is more than a summer job. For over 56 years, Riverlea has been a place where children, teens, and staff grow, belong, and build friendships that last far beyond camp. Tucked into 90 beautiful acres in Bahama, North Carolina, Riverlea is known for its rich traditions, imaginative Hobbit-inspired spirit, and strong sense of community. Many staff leave with lifelong friendships, stronger leadership skills, and the kind of growth that stays with them long after summer ends. We're rounding out our 2026 swim program We're filling two layers of our aquatics team this summer, and we're hiring both in one go: Head Camp Lifeguard/Swim Instructor — $19–$21/hr. Senior leadership role. You'll oversee swim instruction, lesson planning, level placement, and pool safety. You'll lead and coach our swim staff, lifeguard & teach swim lessons alongside them, and partner with camp leadership on safety protocols and program quality. Swim Counselors / Lifeguards — $17/hr, multiple openings. Front-line aquatics. You'll teach swim lessons, lifeguard during lessons and free swim, and help with pool and deck operations. In your video pre-screen, you'll tell us which role you're applying for, or if you're open to either. Who this role is for You treat water safety as serious work and still know how to make camp feel fun. Whether you're stepping into the lead role or onto the deck as a counselor, you bring both attentiveness and warmth — kids and parents trust you, and your team can rely on you. Why this is a gem-in-the-rough opportunity Be part of a 56+ year camp tradition with a close-knit aquatics team and a real sense of community. Teach an essential life skill in a supportive outdoor setting. Combine teaching, lifeguarding, and (for the Head role) staff leadership in a meaningful summer role. What success looks like Active scanning, strong safety habits, and zero shortcuts on procedure. Teach swim lessons that build skill, confidence, and progression — adjusted for each camper's level. Lifeguard during lessons and free swim with sharp focus and reliable backup for the rest of the deck. Help maintain lesson plans, skill rosters, and pool/deck readiness. Coordinate calmly with camp leadership and the rest of the swim team. (Head role) Coach and support fellow swim staff. Oversee lesson quality, level placement, and program documentation. Set the tone for the pool: organized, attentive, calm, and engaging. You will likely thrive here if You are highly safety-minded and hard to distract. You stay focused even in a busy environment with kids in the water and on the deck. You communicate clearly and patiently with children and coworkers. You are reliable, coachable, and ready to be part of a team. (Head candidates) You can supervise peers and coach younger guards without making the deck feel rigid or harsh. This role is probably not for you if You treat safety rules casually or get complacent on the stand. You are easily distracted by side conversations or your phone. You do not enjoy teaching and correcting children patiently. You want a loose, unstructured pool environment. Requirements Swim Counselors / Lifeguards (multiple openings): Lifeguard certification required. Swim-instructor certification (WSI or equivalent) or documented recent swim-instruction experience — preferred or required based on placement. Must be able to pass our lifeguard test. Head of the Pool (Aquatic Manager — one opening): Age 18+. Current Lifeguard certification from a recognized body. Swim-instructor certification or documented recent swim-teaching experience. Prior supervisory or aquatics leadership experience strongly preferred. CPO certification or willingness to obtain. For both roles: Camp Riverlea can cover certain certification fees where needed, but training hours are unpaid and all required certifications must be completed before work begins. Strong candidates for any role on the swim team may be asked to suppor