Lifeguard

The Role

To provide and ensure a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience for all users.

Meet your department...

We provide high-quality, accessible recreation opportunities across Kingston’s facilities, including arenas, pools, marinas, sports fields, and community centres. Our team ensures these spaces are well-maintained and welcoming, supporting programs, groups and activities that bring people together and promote active living.

What you'll do...

Monitor recreational swimming activities, including: patrol the pool deck and scan the water, as well as monitor patrons to ensure a safe swim environment

Wear the City’s assigned uniform, carry an aid at all times, perform emergency rescues to the standard of your certifications, respond to patron inquiries, resolve problems, and perform associated public education duties

Set up the pool deck prior to each shift

Assist maintenance staff with the cleaning of the change rooms and pool deck on a daily basis

Attend all scheduled staff meetings and training programs

Record all hours worked

Hold and maintain all awards at own expense

Perform other duties as assigned


Successful candidates for the position of Lifeguard must become certified Swim Instructors within eight months of hiring.

Swim Instructor responsibilities include the items mentioned in the Lifeguard responsibilities (above), in addition to:

Instruct assigned Red Cross or Lifesaving Society aquatic programs to standard

Respond to parent and participant questions promptly, courteously and thoroughly

Commit to teach the entire session of lessons, one absence is acceptable; must be in attendance of the first lesson, midterm lesson, and last lesson

Teach in the water for the majority of each class time

Provide your supervisor with a detailed lesson plan for each class

Write, proof and correct Progress Reports for lesson participants

Successful candidates for the position of Swim Instructor must become certified as Lifeguards within eight months of hiring.

To qualify, you'll need...

National Lifeguard – Pool certification

Lifesaving Society Instructor and/or Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification

Current Standard First Aid & CPR-C/AED

The following certifications are considered assets:

High Five (PHCD) – Principals of Healthy Child Development certification,
Lifesaving Society Instructor,
Bronze Examiner,
Water Safety Instructor Trainer,
Standard First Aid Instructor,
National Lifeguard Instructor

Must obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check, including Vulnerable Sector Check

Must meet and maintain physical fitness levels required for National Lifeguard certification

Why us?

Join a team that’s building more than a city - we’re building a community where people thrive. At the City of Kingston, your work has real impact: safer streets, greener spaces, inclusive experiences, innovative transit, creative public spaces, and brighter futures for all.

We’re more than just a municipal government - we’re a team of problem-solvers, innovators, and community-builders who take pride in shaping the place we call home. As an employer, we’re committed to your growth, your well-being, and creating an environment where every voice counts. Your career is more than a job - it’s where your impact begins.

Why you’ll love it here…

We provide our employees with a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, which may include extended health coverage, travel and life insurance, and long-term disability. Specific benefits can vary depending on your role and terms of employment.

In addition, employees may enjoy access to:

• OMERS defined pension plan
• Vacation entitlements
• Employee wellness and assistance programs and resources
• Ongoing training and education opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements
• Corporate perks such as discounted transit and fitness passes
• Learning & development resources and networks
• Relocation assistance and local resources

To learn more about working at the City of Kingston, click here.

Learn more about what makes Kingston so special on PossibleMadeHere.org.

How to apply

Submit your online application by 11:59 PM on the job posting closing date. Click the 'APPLY HERE' button to complete your application.

Accommodations are available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process to support a barrier-free experience for all candidates in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodations, please let us know. For more information, you can contact us at [email protected].

Thank you to everyone who applies. While we value each application, only those advancing in the recruitment process will be contacted. All personal information will be handled in compliance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

The City of Kingston may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) assisted tools throughout the recruitment process. All final hiring decisions are made by qualified municipal staff.

Internal applications: https://bit.ly/city-kingston-internal
External applications: https://bit.ly/city-kingston-external

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Our commitment

The City of Kingston acknowledges that we are on the traditional homeland of the Anishinabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat, and thanks these nations for their care and stewardship over this shared land.

Today, the City is committed to working with Indigenous peoples and all residents to pursue a united path of reconciliation.

Learn more about the City's reconciliation initiatives.