Swimming and Water Sports Jobs at Summer Camps
Swimming and water sports jobs at summer camps are some of the most fun and active waterfront roles in the camp world. From traditional sleepaway camps with daily swim, paddling, and tubing to specialty waterfront residential camps running serious competitive swim and water polo programs, water staff power the waterfront energy of every summer at camp.
As a swimming and water sports staffer at an overnight camp, you’ll teach swim strokes, run lessons, coach water polo or water aerobics, manage tubing and other watercraft activities, and support lifeguarding rotations. You’ll often partner with sailing, paddling, and motorized waterfront staff on integrated programs. Many co-ed residential camps treat their waterfront as the heartbeat of camp, giving water staff a packed and rewarding summer.
What does a swimming and water sports staffer at summer camp do?You’ll teach swim, run water sports activities, manage tubing or watercraft, and support lifeguarding rotations. Most sleepaway camps include water sports in daily rotations throughout the summer camp season.
What certifications help when applying for these jobs?Current ARC Lifeguard with waterfront or deep water endorsements, WSI, and CPR/First Aid are standard at residential camps. Boater education, watercraft credentials, and sport-specific certifications are bonuses.
Do summer camps run water polo?Some specialty waterfront residential camps run water polo, water basketball, and aquatic team sports. Traditional sleepaway camps may run smaller water games and aquatic competitions throughout the summer.
What does the pay look like for swim and water sports jobs at camp?Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and certifications. Overnight camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which makes the overall summer camp package noticeably more valuable than the base figure.
Is water sports usually combined with other waterfront roles?Often yes. Many co-ed residential camps blend swim, water sports, paddling, and sailing under unified waterfront programs. Multi-discipline water staff are especially valued at sleepaway camps with deep aquatic offerings.
Browse Summer Camp Swimming/Water Sports 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.
| Job Type | Setting |
|---|
| Full-Time Seasonal | Overnight Camp |
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Our Waterfront program is a core element of the Birchmont experience, with our campers taking part in activities both on and in our beautiful, private lake twice a day. Our waterfront team is led by two Directors with over 80 years of combined experience in leadership at Birchmont – and under their guidance our team of 18 lifeguards deliver a varied and engaging program of instructional swim and watersports, including waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. All of our lifeguards will be supported through their New Hampshire Boat License test, and will have opportunities to lead and instruct across our activity areas. Experience and confidence with open-water swimming, lifeguarding and at least one of our extended activity areas is preferred. When not at the waterfront, our lifeguards also serve as General Counselors with their assigned group.
