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Volunteer Opportunities
Shadow Swim Instructor
The Shadow Swim Instructor is responsible for observing and assisting the instruction of general recreational aquatics programs. This volunteer position is intended for those who have certification or are in progress of completing co-teach hours.
Responsibilities:
- Assist Swim Instructor with activities, as directed
- Welcome, engage and interact with participants
- Interact cooperatively with instructors
- Ensure participants are following the facility rules
- Ensure the facility and equipment is in safe, working condition
Qualifications:
- 15 years old or older
- Current certification as a Swim For Life Instructor with the Livesaving Society
- Enthusiastic, organized, and willing to learn
- Excellent communicator
- Enjoys working with children and able to hold appropriate boundaries when interacting with them
- Proficient in the English Language
- Willing to complete a Police Information Check
Commitment and Schedule:
Dependent on swimming lessons schedule.
Working Conditions:
Indoor pool facility. On dryland and in pool. Supervised by staff.
Contacts:
Gordon Head Recreation Centre
Tyler Smith
Programmer 1: Aquatics
Gordon Head Recreation Centre
tyler.smith@saanich.ca
Shadow Lifeguard
Shadow Lifeguards gain meaningful experience supervising the pool deck, assisting with First Aid, learning about equipment and deck set ups, meeting facility specific needs, working on activities to improve their skills as Lifeguards, and being part of a dynamic team. As supervisors mentor and evaluate their contributions, volunteers in this role may have the opportunity to become employed as Lifeguards with Saanich Recreation.
Responsibilities:
- Commit to regular shift attendance
- Attend an orientation session
- Assist with First Aid
- Welcome, engage, and interact with patrons and staff
- Supervise water and pool deck
Qualifications:
- 15 years old or older
- Current NL - Pool and Waterpark Option Awards
- Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C; AMOA
- Excellent communicator
- Enjoy working with children and able to hold appropriate boundaries when interacting with them
- Enthusiastic, organized, and willing to learn
- Proficient in the English Language
- Willing to complete a Police Information Check
Commitment and Schedule:
One Fun Swim shift per week (2-3 hours)
Contact:
Connor Reiter
Program Technician: Aquatics
Saanich Commonwealth Place
connor.reiter@saanich.ca
250-475-3502
Parks
Volunteer Opportunities
Park Ambassador
Recruitment for this role is closed until April 2025. In the meantime, you are still welcome to apply; we will make note of your interest and contact you when recruitment reopens.
Park Ambassadors are volunteers who walk in PKOLS park on a regular basis with the purpose of greeting park visitors, offering information and answering questions about the park and helping visitors understand their role in helping to protect the park. They also provide helpful feedback to Saanich Parks by observing, recording and reporting on defined issues and by recording their activities. Park Ambassadors are expected to maintain a high level of service in parks, trails and open spaces. They foster positive relationships with park visitors through information, education and role modeling, and record and report concerns to Saanich Parks.
Commitment
- reliable transportation to and from the park
- able to make a minimum commitment of one season (May - September 2023) (Longer term opportunities may be available)
- able to commit to visiting the park once per week (1-2 hours each visit)
- support the goals of the project
- agree to adhere to Saanich polices, guidelines and direction
- access to a personal cell phone is recommended
Duties and Responsibilities
Primary Responsibilities
- visit PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) once a week for approximately 1-2 hours at varying times from dawn to dusk, to interact with a range of park visitors
- answer questions from visitors regarding PKOLS and other Saanich parks and trails
- give directions and provide information about natural and cultural history
- educate visitors about park etiquette and bylaws with the goal of voluntary compliance
- observe, record and submit observations and interactions on a monthly basis.
- report any defined serious matters (i.e. incidents) to Saanich Parks immediately
- report volunteer hours to Saanich Parks
- attend meetings and/or training as required
Optional Responsibilities
- collect small amounts of garbage and deposit into garbage cans (larger or hazardous items are reported to Parks)
- assist in training new volunteers
- assist Saanich Parks with special events, community events or permitted activities in the park
Skills and Requirements
- resourceful, reliable and responsible with an ability to work alone
- willing to learn
- strong and diplomatic interpersonal skills with an ability to comfortably relay information to others and to diffuse conflicts
- a minimum of 19 years of age (unless accompanied by parent or guardian)
- good physical and mental health
- ability to use sound judgement
- some natural and/or cultural history knowledge an asset
- ability to provide two personal references
- willingness to:
- follow the guidelines, decisions and direction of Saanich Parks
- wear Park Ambassador volunteer identification while on duty
- undertake and pass a Criminal Record Check
- work in varied weather conditions
Training and Benefits
- training about PKOLS, Saanich Parks and some natural and cultural history
- a letter of recognition verifying your volunteer hours and role
- training and recognition
- opportunity to:
- help to improve the visitor experience
- contribute to your community
- share your knowledge and experience with park visitors
- meet like-minded people and share your love of the park
- maintain and build fitness
- be part of a larger plan to protect park values
Getting Involved
- complete an application by clicking on the blue "Fill in an Application" button, creating an account, and completing the application form