Forest Hills, New York
Posted: 23-Mar-26
Location: Forest Hills, New York
Type: Part Time
Salary: $30.00 per hour
Overview
The Kew-Forest School, a PS-12 co-educational day school founded in 1918 in Forest Hills, NY, seeks an experienced Summer Camp Lifeguard/Swim Instructor to join our six-week, in-person Summer Camp team. Camp starts Monday, July 6, 2026, and ends Friday, August 14, 2026. Our campers range in age from Kindergarten through Grade 6.
We take pride in our remarkably diverse student body, which reflects the vibrant communities of Queens and New York City. Approximately nine percent of our students are international. We promote diversity not only among our students but also in our hiring practices, ensuring that our faculty is culturally diverse and equipped to support our inclusive community of students and families.
At Kew-Forest, our mission extends beyond education - we aim to inspire our students to discover their passions and reach their full potential. As we celebrate our 108th year, we are excited to embrace new approaches to summer programming. We are seeking an energetic and creative individual who can bring fresh ideas and a thoughtful approach to our popular summer program.
The Lifeguard/Swim Instructor maintains safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck, and surrounding areas, creating a positive atmosphere that promotes participant safety and engagement, enabling participants to learn to swim under the supervision of the Aquatics Director.
Responsibilities include supporting and assisting the Aquatics Director in or with:
- Providing a safe and nurturing environment for all participants; actively engaging in day-to-day operations with a positive attitude;
- Assisting in developing and implementing water programs, including swim lessons, water activities, and off-site trips. Leading activities for camp and/group activities as needed;
- Testing and classifying campers’ swimming abilities as required;
- Reviewing campers’ health concerns to ensure their needs are met in or out of the water;
- Completing and filing reports on camper ability levels, accidents, and water testing records;
- Ensuring compliance with NYCDOH aquatics requirements and relaying concerns to administrative staff; and
- Performing other duties as assigned to enhance the campers’ experience, and the overall Summer at The Kew-Forest School program.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
- Executing tasks to maintain a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment. Enforcing safety regulations and keeping campers and program areas clean and safe;
- Anticipating and minimizing potential issues with staff, campers, or the environment; and responding effectively to problems that may arise;
- Applying camp policies and procedures when addressing staff or camper behavior; and
- Actively participating in camper activities.
Lifeguard-Specific Responsibilities:
- Maintaining constant surveillance of the pool area;
- Knowing and reviewing emergency procedures; responding immediately to emergencies in accordance with camp policies, and completing required reports;
- Preparing for and teaching assigned classes using lesson plans, session plans, and evaluation sheets as necessary;
- Testing and evaluating students at least twice per swim session; issuing progress reports with supervisor assistance;
- Being suited, on deck, and ready to perform duties during assigned shifts;
- Enforcing safety standards, policies, and procedures at all times;
- Knowing, understanding, and consistently applying safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area;
- Ensuring rescue-readiness during scheduled work hours;
- Covering scheduled shifts without gaps;
- Conducting and monitoring swim tests before participants engage in pool activities;
- Performing equipment checks and ensuring necessary equipment is available;
- Checking the pool for hazardous conditions upon arrival; and
- Providing emergency care and treatment as needed until medical professionals arrive.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Attending staff meetings, trainings, and functions as required by the supervisor;
- Maintaining open communication with participants, staff, and supervisor; and
- Performing other duties as needed.
Skills and Experience
- Must be 18 years or older.
- High school diploma or equivalent experience.
- Current American Red Cross swim instructor certification, including First Aid, CPR, and AED required (must be maintained and kept up to date).
- Ability to perform and demonstrate all swim instructor certification requirements (e.g. in-service trainings).
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Public relations skills and/or experience working with diverse populations preferred.
- Experience teaching swimming lessons in an aquatics facility is a plus.
- Physical, visual, and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards. Must be able to run, walk, stand, and fully participate in camp activities for up to 8 hours daily.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, communicate effectively with children and adults, and manage large and small groups.
- High integrity, adaptability, and ability to serve as a positive role model.
- Minimum of one year of experience in a camp program or related work with children.
- Knowledge of youth engagement through recreational and artistic activities.
- Understanding of group and behavior management, and positive youth development principles.
- Passion for creating engaging recreational experiences for youth in Grades K-6.
- Professionalism, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while maintaining flexibility and a positive team-oriented attitude.
- Self-motivated and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to understand and enforce program and department policies.
- Flexibility to adapt to a changing environment.
Hours and Compensation
- Four-week swim program between July - August 2026
- Part-time position: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Full summer commitment is required
- $30.00 per hour
If you are a college or graduate student (or meet the above requirements) and are passionate about working with children, we’d love to hear from you. Please include a brief introduction about yourself with your application. This position reports to the Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs and is ideal for an individual with a flexible schedule. All necessary materials for summer camp will be provided.
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Keesha Sterling, Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs, at ksterling@kewforest.org.
To learn more about The Kew-Forest School, please visit our website: www.kewforest.org.
MISSION
We are The Kew-Forest School.
Our community nurtures lifelong learners from around the world.
Our educators inspire young people to think boldly and find their voices.
Our students support each other and explore thoughtfully as they shape the future.
The Kew-Forest School is a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools Athletic Association (NYSAISAA), the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA), and the Long Island Athletic Association of Independent Schools (LIAAIS).
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
The Kew-Forest School believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity. The School prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, culture, background, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected classes or classifications. No employee or job applicant will be discriminated against in recruitment, compensation, promotion, or termination practices.