Lifeguard Jobs at Overnight Camps
Lifeguard jobs at summer camps are mission-critical safety roles that keep camper water moments safe, joyful, and well-supervised all season long. From traditional sleepaway camps with quiet lake docks to specialty waterfront residential camps running pools, lakes, and oceans, lifeguards are at the heart of every aquatic activity. Whether you’re certified for pool, waterfront, or open-water settings, summer camp lifeguarding offers meaningful seasonal work in a community-driven setting unlike anywhere else.
As a lifeguard at an overnight camp, you’ll cover scheduled swim periods, oversee free swim, support tubing, boating, and watersports, and respond to emergencies with calm precision. You’ll partner with swim instructors and waterfront leads on lessons, swim tests, and daily program flow. Many co-ed residential camps run multi-station waterfronts and hire full lifeguard teams who rotate across docks, pools, and beaches throughout the summer.
What does a lifeguard at summer camp do?You’ll cover swim periods, run free swim, support watersports activities, and respond to emergencies. Daily swim assessments and waterfront coordination anchor the role at most sleepaway camps throughout the summer camp season.
What certifications do lifeguards need at sleepaway camps?Current American Red Cross Lifeguard, YMCA, or Ellis & Associates certification is standard. Waterfront and deep water endorsements are required at lake-based residential camps. CPR/AED/First Aid is bundled into most lifeguard credentials.
Do summer camps offer onsite lifeguard certification?Many do. Larger residential camps host on-site lifeguard certification or recertification courses during staff training, which helps applicants prep for the summer camp season. Confirm options during your interview.
What does the pay look like for lifeguard jobs at summer camps?Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and certifications. Overnight camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which adds meaningful value to the overall summer camp package beyond the base figure.
Can international staff work as lifeguards at summer camps?Yes — many sleepaway camps hire international lifeguards through J-1 programs like Camp America, CCUSA, and Camp Leaders. International lifeguarding certifications are often accepted at residential camps when properly verified during onboarding.
Browse Summer Camp Lifeguards Jobs for 2026
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Do you have a passion for the water and working with kids? Are you interested in spending your summer in beautiful Vermont, working with our campers and sharing that passion? Camp Lochearn for Girls is a residential summer camp located in Post Mills, Vermont (20 minutes from Dartmouth College) and we are currently hiring activity instructors & cabin counselors for the summer of 2026.
Our swimming instructors and lifeguards work with girls ages 7-15 to help share a love of the water and ensure safety on the waterfront. Located on beautiful Lake Fairlee, Camp Lochearn offers Swimming (beginner and competitive), Water Zumba, Canoeing/Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Diving, Sailing, and more. Training/Certification will be provided to our lifeguard counselors during Orientation. Competitive salary based on experience and background.
*Candidates should be 18 years or older and available to work at Camp between 6/14 and 8/18.
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