AQUATICS DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Running an aquatics department without a dedicated director means uncertified lifeguards on deck, pools falling out of DPH compliance, and programs hemorrhaging enrollment season over season. The Aquatics Director is the single accountable owner of all of that - staffing, safety, programming, and the annual operating budget - within a nonprofit community recreation setting. This role answers to an Executive Director and sets standards that govern every person, pool, and program in the department. Small in headcount, large in consequence.

As the Aquatics Director, you are accountable for the financial health, regulatory compliance, and programmatic growth of a community aquatics department serving members across all ages and abilities. The position reports to the Executive Director and spans direct supervision of lifeguards and instructors, budget administration, and coordination with community stakeholders including swim teams, volunteers, and local health authorities.

Career Impact: Directing an aquatics department that holds YMCA Lifeguarding and CPO credentials builds a depth of operational and compliance credibility that distinguishes candidates for regional or executive recreation roles.

Business Impact: The programs this role administers - from learn-to-swim for children to water fitness for seniors - represent the primary community health touchpoint for thousands of members each year, and enrollment numbers move directly with the quality of leadership in this seat.

Growth Opportunity: Aquatics Directors who demonstrate measurable enrollment growth and DPH compliance records are well positioned for Senior Aquatics Director or Chief Program Officer advancement within association structures.

• Lead the full staffing cycle for all aquatic personnel, from recruitment and hiring through performance evaluation and separation.
• Monitor daily pool operations to maintain compliance with state, local, and association health and safety regulations.
• Design and schedule aquatic programming across recreational, instructional, and competitive formats for members of all ages.
• Administer the annual aquatics department budget, including revenue tracking, expense controls, and monthly forecasting.
• Conduct and coordinate lifeguard certification training, in-service skill sessions, and emergency response drills.
• Enforce facility safety standards through daily walk-throughs covering chemical levels, equipment condition, and cleanliness.
• Partner with the Executive Director and community organizations to expand programming in alignment with strategic operating plans.
• Support association fundraising campaigns and annual giving initiatives as a member of the broader management team.

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Health, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3 or more years of aquatics management experience, with demonstrated responsibility for staff supervision and program budgets.
• Current lifeguard certification from a nationally recognized organization such as YMCA, Red Cross, or Ellis and Associates.
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications required.
• Working knowledge of state and local health department regulations governing public pool operations.
• Ability to perform lifeguard rescue skills and pass a water skills assessment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills sufficient for staff management, member relations, and reporting to senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to build, evaluate, and motivate a team of hourly aquatics staff and volunteers.

• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) designation, or ability to obtain within the first year of employment.
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor, Water Safety Instructor (WSI), or Lifeguard Instructor certification.
• Experience developing or administering program budgets exceeding $250,000 annually.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, reflecting the membership demographics of many community recreation centers.

• Program enrollment count per session, measured against prior-season targets and annual budget projections.
• DPH inspection pass rate, reflecting the department's adherence to state health and safety pool standards.
• Staff certification compliance rate, tracking the percentage of active staff with current required credentials at any given time.
• Incident report closure rate within required timeframes, measuring how promptly safety events are documented and resolved.
• Net revenue variance against the annual aquatics department budget, reported monthly to the Executive Director.
• Typical tools: membership and program registration platforms (commonly Daxko or ActiveNet); scheduling and payroll systems (commonly ADP or similar hourly workforce tools).

• Base Salary Range: $48,000 to $68,000 annually, depending on location and association size.
• Bonus: Modest performance or mission-based incentives; not standard across all nonprofit employers.
• Equity: Not applicable in nonprofit community recreation settings.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; typically includes employee contribution.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually plus paid holidays; varies by association.
• Common Perks: Free or subsidized facility membership, professional development funding for certification renewals, and paid in-service training time.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment in this role is contingent on successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history and, where applicable, sex offender registry review given the nature of work with minors. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Aquatics Director owns the financial success of the Aquatics Program by developing staff, creating programming across all ages and abilities, and managing revenue targets and budget planning. Reporting to club and regional leadership, the Aquatics Director ensures member experience surpasses expectations while exercising daily discretion over program operations and Associate development.

Key Responsibilities

• Hire, train, supervise, develop, and terminate employment of those supervised in accordance with company policies and directives.
• Perform timely performance evaluations and compile comprehensive reports regarding Associate performance.
• Oversee day-to-day aquatic operations through visible management presence, including daily walk-throughs to ensure cleanliness, safety, and service delivery.
• Process, review, and submit payroll for all aquatics staff and act as club and/or regional Manager on Duty as required.
• Create, develop, and implement programming for the aquatics center including recreational, educational, and fitness programming for all ages and abilities, covering swim team, swim instruction, masters, and water aerobics.
• Develop and introduce new services and programs on an ongoing basis and track utilization including capacity, male/female, and member/non-member metrics.
• Manage financial performance through achievement of sales and revenue targets, expense management, planning, forecasting, and retention, prepare and implement action plans to meet or exceed monthly financial goals.
• Assist club management in development of annual operating and capital budgets and long-term growth strategy, review applicable financial statements and reports.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies regarding employment practices and safety rules.
• Actively further Aquatics objectives, participate in required events, meetings, and trainings, and support improvement and positive change including participation on corporate committees.

Required Qualifications

• Current CPR, First Aid, and AED Certifications, Lifeguard Instructor and Certified Pool Operator (CPO) preferred, Current Red Cross Lifeguard Certification and WSI preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years prior Aquatics management experience, minimum 3 years supervisory experience in customer service preferred.
• Knowledge of swim technique, learn-to-swim skills, competitive swim techniques, and childhood development research.
• Knowledge of company policies, federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to managed properties.
• Knowledge of personnel management principles for hiring, motivating, developing, and directing staff, and financial management principles for budgeting and reporting.
• Knowledge of sales and marketing principles and methods for promoting and selling aquatics services.
• Ability to apply deductive reasoning and problem anticipation to identify issues and evaluate solutions with consideration of costs and benefits.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and aquatics software programs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, ability to interact professionally with senior management, Associates, vendors, members, and guests.
• Flexibility in work schedule including day and evening shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Embedded within the YMCA's aquatics leadership structure, the Senior Aquatics Director leads performance achievement across hiring, coaching, and direct report management while driving program enrollment growth and DPH compliance. Working closely with the Chief Program Officer and fellow Senior Aquatics Directors, the Senior Aquatics Director refines in-service training and best practices to deliver a safe, high-quality Y experience for children, members, and families.

Core Functions

• Lead performance achievement by hiring, coaching, and managing all direct reports, ensuring compliance with association hiring practices, and conducting quarterly connections to review OKRs and career development.
• Drive program enrollment and growth while ensuring a high-quality, safe, and transformative Y experience as measured by enrollment, net-promoter scores, DPH compliance, and other experience metrics.
• Execute all aspects of association marketing strategies and campaigns and regularly promote Y programs through participants and social media.
• Lead and coach staff to ensure high-quality programming through implementation of the YMCA Swim Lesson program and monitor family and participant communication.
• Ensure accountability and compliance with all YMCA safety standards, regulatory health and safety requirements, and active participation in monthly in-service for safety and instruction, provide and coordinate certification training across branches.
• Ensure aquatic facilities are well maintained, safe, and clean per DPH guidelines, ensure staff conduct daily walk-throughs and address deficiencies and safety hazards.
• Assist with development of the annual budget, identify growth opportunities, forecast monthly, and address financial deficiencies in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Senior Aquatics Directors and Chief Program Officer to refine and implement in-service training, reality checks, and best practices for the aquatic team cohort.
• Support branch fundraising campaigns and engage staff and families to meet quarterly and annual goals.
• Participate in all meetings as requested and lead association-wide initiatives and other assigned duties.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• YMCA Lifeguarding certification required, if Red Cross certified, must obtain YMCA certification within six months of hire.
• Minimum five years of experience as an aquatics director, at least two years in instruction and management of aquatics programs and pool maintenance, experience supervising staff and developing pool and class schedules.
• Experience in and/or willingness to learn Design Thinking.
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment in aquatics, program growth, YMCA safety standards, DPH compliance, fiscal management, and staff development.
• Must have thorough understanding of the YMCA movement, volunteers, and staff in accomplishment of YMCA goals and mission, awareness of trends in the aquatic field required.
• Programs must achieve key metrics including enrollment, net-promoter scores, and DPH compliance with meaningful qualitative results.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, must be highly motivated with a positive attitude toward the YMCA, character development, and its mission, strong concern for detail, accuracy, and ability to delegate.
• Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Reporting to Association leadership, the Aquatics Director shapes the safety, development, and administration of an Aquatics Department operating two pools at one location, with direct supervision of staff and volunteers. Partnering with the Head Swim Team Coach and LASS Aquatic Center Director, the Aquatics Director drives program quality, fiscal oversight, and compliance with all Association and regulatory standards.

Primary Duties

• Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule, and direct aquatic staff and volunteers, ensure certifications are current, maintain accurate records, review and evaluate staff performance, and develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
• Monitor daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations.
• Establish new program activities and expand programs within the community, compile program statistics and monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and participation.
• Conduct and ensure proper maintenance of pool, secure and schedule pool facilities and maintain accurate records of chemical levels and facility maintenance.
• Work side by side with Head Swim Team Coach and LASS Aquatic Center Aquatic Director.
• Develop and monitor program budget to meet fiscal objectives, assist in the marketing and distribution of program information.
• Comply with all regulations, policies, work procedures, safety rules, and appropriate safety equipment use, attend recognized aquatics safety and professional development trainings.
• Respond to all aquatic inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Physical Education, Recreation, Sports Management, or related area with a minimum of three to five years in the aquatic field and three years of successful staff management.
• Current YMCA or Red Cross certifications in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Lifeguard/Water Aerobics/Swim Instructor required, pool operation certification strongly preferred or required within first year of employment.
• Knowledge and skill in fiscal management, experience in Financial Development is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), experience with Daxko preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, human relations, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work as a member of a team, provide high-quality customer service, and maintain productive relationships with agencies, members, and staff.

Sitting at the intersection of community programming and aquatics operations, the Aquatics Director oversees development, administration, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of all Aquatics Program activities under the direction of the Executive Director. Operating across staff supervision, budget management, and Ellis-standard lifeguard training, the Aquatics Director builds collaborative community relationships and ensures full compliance with state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations.

Duties

• Direct and supervise program activities to meet community needs and fulfill YMCA objectives, establish new program activities and expand programs in accordance with strategic and operating plans, develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.
• Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule, and direct aquatics personnel and volunteers, review and evaluate staff performance, develop motivational strategies, and ensure staff certification records are current and complete.
• Train and supervise lifeguards to the Ellis standard and update and maintain all Ellis required paperwork and documents.
• Monitor daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations.
• Conduct lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid, and CPR trainings, create and schedule swim classes, water fitness classes, and swim team practices and meets.
• Develop and monitor program budget to meet fiscal objectives and assist in YMCA fund raising activities and special events.
• Compile program statistics and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in programs.
• Attend all staff meetings, in-service training, and required abuse risk management training.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Education, or related field, or equivalent experience in aquatics.
• Must have current certifications in First Aid for Public Safety Personnel, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Oxygen Administration, current Lifeguard Certification (Ellis and Associates, YMCA, or Red Cross), and current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Certification or Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (YMCA certification within 6 months), Instructor certifications preferred.
• One to two years related experience preferred (e.g., aquatics coordinator or supervisor).
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Must have visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents, physical ability to act swiftly in emergencies, lead group activities, and perform related physical skills.

A key member of the Waterworks Aquatics leadership team, the Aquatics Director leads quality oversight of swim lesson programming and staff development across assigned locations, driving profitability through improved lesson counts, retention, and enrollment. Collaborating across Senior Instructors, Lead Trainers, Quality Managers, and Deck Guards, the Aquatics Director conducts daily audits and performance reviews to standardize training and strengthen the customer and employee experience.

Functions

• Ensure overall profitability of assigned locations by increasing lesson counts, strengthening retention, and increasing program enrollment while improving customer and employee experience.
• Oversee the quality of aquatics programming across assigned locations and ensure staffing levels, lesson needs, and programming goals are met.
• Oversee ongoing training and development of Senior Instructors, Lead Trainers, and Quality Managers, oversee additional lesson programming and ensure proper evaluations maintain quality and improve enrollment and retention.
• Oversee hiring, interviewing, and training of new aquatics staff and ensure all staff meet Waterworks standards.
• Conduct daily/weekly audits on training and shadowing to ensure standardization and consistency in training quality for trainees.
• Oversee Deck Guards to ensure proper evaluations, necessary training, and regular performance feedback are in place.
• Conduct and ensure on-time delivery of performance reviews to all aquatics staff.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree or equivalent experience preferred, previous aquatics management and people management experience required, experience in marketing and/or sales is a plus.
• First Aid, CPR, AED Certification (Infant, Child, Adult) required.
• Must be goal- and results-driven and solutions-oriented.
• Must be able to coach, train, and motivate employees.
• Must be energetic, outgoing, a quick learner, and maintain a positive attitude.

Equitable access to aquatics programming across diverse communities depends on the Aquatics Director, who coordinates, manages, and expands neighborhood aquatic services for all age groups while maintaining facility standards and staff readiness. Based within a community-centered aquatics structure, the Aquatics Director recruits and coaches diverse staff, administers certification and development plans, and uses social media outreach to connect individuals to programming.

Accountabilities

• Oversee the coordination, management, and expansion of neighborhood aquatic programs and services for all age groups, ensuring equity among communities and diverse groups.
• Ensure strategies are in place to recruit, hire, supervise, and coach diverse aquatic staff for maximum impact.
• Develop and administer consistent training, certification, and development plans and ensure all required certifications are up to date.
• Develop pool and staffing schedules to meet the needs of the community.
• Utilize social media tools to invite and inform individuals and the community.
• Collaborate with centralized facilities to ensure neighborhood aquatic facilities are maintained and in excellent working condition, addressing issues in a timely manner.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Health, Physical Education, or related field required.
• Current YMCA or ARC Lifeguarding plus CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration required, YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (YSL) and/or WSI Certification preferred.
• 4 years of aquatic leadership experience required, preferably in YMCA aquatics.
• Experience in personnel supervision, recruitment, training, and development of staff.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

As the Aquatics Director, this role develops, promotes, and evaluates aquatic instruction classes and innovative programs that build character, strengthen community relationships, and meet budget projections for families, youth, seniors, teens, and adults. The YMCA aquatics team relies on this work to maintain full facility compliance, sustain a safety management committee, and advance the association's mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Activities

• Develop, promote, conduct, supervise, and evaluate aquatic instruction classes and innovative programs that result in positive character development, improved skills, and strong relationships for families, youth, seniors, teens, and adults.
• Develop and promote aquatic activities and programs that foster enthusiasm and support for YMCA aquatics and meet the vision of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Promote new participant acquisition and retention of existing participants such that budget projections are met or exceeded.
• Recruit, train, and ensure development of all YMCA aquatic volunteers and staff with emphasis on upholding YMCA standards of excellence, conduct regular lifeguard in-service trainings for individual and team-based emergency response.
• Conduct supervision of aquatic volunteers and staff to ensure all understand and successfully achieve their performance objectives.
• Ensure proper maintenance of equipment and that all aquatic facilities comply with applicable local, state, and federal codes and YMCA risk management policies to keep all participants, volunteers, and staff safe.
• Recruit and facilitate an association-wide safety management committee and develop initiatives, practices, communication, and training designed to promote and maintain a safe environment.
• Serve as point of contact with the insurance company consultant for site visits and key resources, ensure aquatics information on the YMCA website and online registration is updated each session.
• Manage and monitor income and expenses and establish and maintain accurate records of program registration, respond to all personal inquiries within 24 hours.

Experience & Qualifications

• Have a four-year degree in recreation, physical education, or related field, or a minimum of six years of related experience.
• Have current certification in lifeguard and swim instruction, preferably YMCA certifications, obtain advanced aquatic certification within one year of employment.
• Have a history of excellence in achieving qualitative and quantitative program and participant growth.
• Have a successful history of recruiting, training, supervising, and recognizing outstanding staff and volunteers.
• Be highly competent in promoting and maintaining safety, demonstrate solid leadership with high loyalty and respect among those led.
• Be passionate about the YMCA mission and personally advocate and demonstrate core values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.

Aquatics Director leads and coaches lifeguards and swim instructors, manages staff recruitment, scheduling, and certification compliance, and maintains a safe aquatic environment aligned with Y Aquatics SOP standards. The work directly supports branch programming, the Annual Giving Campaign, and the well-being of participants and families across daily facility operations.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Recruit, train, coach, and lead lifeguards and swim instructors, ensure staff maintain all required certifications.
• Perform administrative duties including staff development through recruitment, selection, scheduling, training, and supervision.
• Build and maintain close and positive relationships with participants and parents, assist with branch events and the Annual Giving Campaign.
• Follow all policies and procedures in the Y Aquatics SOP Manual, maintain a safe environment at all times and adhere to program, health, and cleanliness standards.
• Actively walk through the facility engaging with members and participants, keeping vigilant for health and safety risks, ensure equipment and supplies in all areas are in working order and replace supplies as needed.
• Attend training and meetings and perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain visual and auditory ability to observe and respond to critical incidents, ability to lead group activities and perform related physical skills including lifting and carrying objects up to 20 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 1 year of aquatic experience.
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer or accredited equivalent, Emergency Oxygen Administration, Standard First Aid, and Lifeguard certification required at time of hire, YMCA Swim Instructor certification preferred.
• Enthusiastic, fun, and great personality.
• Ability to effectively interact with participants, parents, and staff.
• Available on weekends and evenings as needed.

The Aquatics Director owns all aspects of the aquatics department at the appointed YMCA location, emphasizing risk management, member service, character development, and annual budget administration. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Aquatics Director leads the full human resource cycle for aquatic staff, serves as Risk Management Specialist, and stewards the department's fiscal position through revenue-generating program scheduling and retention initiatives.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop annual operating objectives and plans, monitor achievement, and exercise appropriate action to ensure objectives are met.
• Prepare and administer the annual income and expense budget for the Aquatics Department, exercising necessary controls to maintain a balanced fiscal position.
• Design and maintain a diverse schedule of revenue-generating activities, classes, and programs for all members and participants of all abilities and levels.
• Oversee pool maintenance and operations including chemical checks, cleaning, permits, and daily adherence to state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations, be responsible for injury/accident reporting procedures.
• Perform duties of lifeguard, water fitness instructor, swim coach, or swim lesson instructor as needed, conduct lifeguarding, swim instruction, First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen trainings.
• Serve as Risk Management Specialist including development and supervision of departmental Emergency Action Plan, notify appropriate staff of unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents, or injuries immediately.
• Manage the entire human resource cycle for all aquatic staff including recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating, with current knowledge of all certifications and the YMCA associate handbook.
• Assist in fundraising activities, special events, and Annual Mission campaign, attend Community Mission Board meetings as deemed necessary and develop retention and sales initiatives for all aquatics programs and members.
• Ensure all program operations are consistent with association procedures including emergency, insurance, purchasing, personnel, and accounting systems, develop policies and procedures for specific program efforts as needed.
• Attend community functions and events to promote the Y, its mission and programs, participate as member of the total team in administration, promotion, and operation of center activities.

Background & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent education and management experience.
• Preferred American Safety and Health Institute certifications in First Aid, CPRPro (includes AED), and Emergency Oxygen, current CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certification from a national organization required.
• Current Lifeguard certification from a national organization required, Preferred YMCA Lifeguard (5th ed.), Lifeguard Instructor certification, and Certified Pool Operator (where required).
• Minimum three years of experience in aquatics or related field, preferred three years in aquatics management.
• Able to manage and monitor department budget and perform and pass rescue skills.
• Able to relate and work with diverse groups of people in a friendly and consistent manner and reflect a positive attitude.
• Must conduct themselves as a respectable and responsible YMCA Program Director.

Embedded within Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater's aquatics operation, the Aquatics Director leads and coordinates all programming, staffing, and administrative functions across an indoor lap pool, outdoor leisure pool, splash pad, and lazy river. Working closely with the Marketing and Sponsorship Manager, Guest Services, and the Albertville Summer Swim Team, the Aquatics Director cultivates membership growth, enforces health department standards, and produces end-of-season reporting across all aquatic venues.

Scope of Work

• Lead and coordinate all organizational and administrative aspects of Aquatics programming, aligning with the SMPA Mission Statement and Core Values.
• Hire, train, and evaluate lifeguards, swim lesson instructors, and water aerobics instructors, ensure lifeguard staffing, coverage, and job duties comply with all required standards and regulations.
• Exhibit a culture of world-class customer service across all Aquatics areas, help manage and cultivate the aquatics membership base.
• Conduct and/or assign lifeguard performance evaluations, use program and membership surveys to initiate improvement strategies, recognize team members, and assist with aquatics safety audits and reporting, ensure SMPA cleanliness standards are maintained in all Aquatics venues.
• Compile weekly attendance statistics, complete end-of-season reports, ensure all incident reports are completed accurately, and supervise chlorine and pH levels and daily cleaning and maintenance of all Aquatics areas.
• Manage payroll, scheduling, and equipment inventory for the Aquatics Team, establish an inventory reporting process.
• Coordinate requests for equipment usage and pool space with Guest Services, coordinate the Albertville Summer Swim Team schedule and help attract local and regional swim meet competitions.
• Collaborate with the Marketing & Sponsorship Manager on public relations, promotions, and marketing, provide supervision on evenings, weekends, and during special events as needed, complete other assigned duties.
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Professional Experience

• 3–5 years of aquatics management experience preferred, Bachelor's Degree in related field preferred.
• Experience or general knowledge in supervising and training lifeguards or a related area of recreation.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Must have strong leadership skills with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, able to maintain focus in a high-volume fast-paced environment, work under pressure, and prioritize effectively.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Aquatics Director advances the YMCA's 135-year legacy in aquatics by overseeing program compliance, staff supervision, budget management, and daily pool maintenance across the aquatics department. Partnering with branch and Association leadership, the Aquatics Director produces program information, supports the annual fundraising campaign, and upholds child safety protocols across all aquatic facilities.

Operational Focus

• Manage aquatic programs in compliance with all Association standards and safety procedures, hire, train, and supervise staff and volunteers for all aquatic programs.
• Develop, manage, and monitor aquatic department budgets, assess and recommend budgeting for facility and equipment needs, provide data and reports on assigned programs to support branch and Association planning.
• Develop, produce, and disseminate program information to promote aquatic programs to the public and current members, provide leadership and support to the annual fundraising campaign and volunteer committees.
• Ensure program areas, equipment, and supplies are maintained in an orderly and safe manner, report health or safety hazards to the appropriate supervisor or responsible party.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe, including managing visitors and guests, report suspicious behavior and policy violations to supervisor, complete all required child abuse prevention training.
• Complete all other projects as assigned by the Executive Director and support the interests of the Association as defined by leadership and strategic plans.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree in Parks and Recreation or related field with 1–3 years of aquatics experience and at least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Current YMCA or ARC Lifeguard certification required, trainer-level certification in YMCA Swim Lessons (Fitness Classes, Youth & Adult, Preschool, and Child/Parent) required.
• Strong organizational, budgetary, and communication skills (written and verbal), able to read, write, and perform basic math to complete daily chemical logs.
• Ability to train swim and fitness instructors, excellent communication and public relations skills.
• Must be mentally alert to dangerous situations, physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies, administer CPR and First Aid, and use aquatic equipment to rescue a 200 lb person.
• Must pass a water skills test and written exam, physically able to see, hear, and communicate clearly.

Sitting at the intersection of program administration and staff management, the Aquatics Director at the Homestead YMCA Family Center prepares and administers the departmental budget, coordinates swim lessons and competitive swim programs, and develops new onsite and off-site aquatic offerings. Operating within Y South Florida's standards and reporting to the Executive Director, the Aquatics Director leads hiring, lifeguard audits, risk management compliance, and community outreach including the Mobile Aquatics Van and Swim 4 Jenny week.

Job Functions

• Meet all assigned program enrollment and quality benchmarks by marketing and promoting the Aquatics Program, develop new aquatic programs both onsite and off-site to meet or exceed enrollment goals.
• Ensure the Aquatics Program follows program standards, policies, protocol, and guidelines of YMCA of the USA, Y South Florida, and state and local codes.
• Prepare and control the annual income and expense budget for the Aquatics Department, coordinate schedules of participants for each season and class.
• Recruit, hire, train, and manage staff, audit lifeguard skills, certifications, and in-service documentation to ensure compliance with association policy, provide training to staff in lifeguarding, CPR, first aid, and oxygen.
• Maintain accident reports, records of equipment and safety inspections, and health code records, keep abreast of safety, risk management, and emergency procedures.
• Assist Executive Director in Annual Campaign to exceed dollars, donors, and volunteer goals, assist with Mobile Aquatics Van schedule and Swim 4 Jenny week.
• Oversee, in conjunction with the Director of Competitive Swim Programs, the swim team at the Family Center, serve as a member of the management team as MOD.
• Assist with development of member communication materials including brochures, newsletters, PSAs, and marketing materials, maintain program areas at YMCA and off-site locations in a clean, orderly, and safe manner.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required, Bachelor's degree in Health, Physical Education, or related field preferred.
• YMCA or Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, Certified Pool Operator (CPO or AFO), and Swim Instructor Certification required, First Aid/CPR/AED, CPRO, and oxygen administration certified, YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.
• Minimum 2–4 years of Aquatics program experience with a budget exceeding $500K, minimum 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Bilingual English and Spanish is a plus.

As the Aquatics Director, this role enforces safety regulation compliance among staff and patrons, schedules lessons and aquatic programming across pool and beach venues, and trains aquatics staff to uphold BHYC service standards. The aquatics team relies on this work to maintain continuous pool and beach surveillance, execute staff certification programs, and coordinate programming with the Programs and Activities Director.

What You'll Do

• Greet and acknowledge members and guests, adhere to the BHYC 5 Star Service Promise.
• Determine safety risks at regular checks throughout shift, survey pool and beach area at all times when members and guests are present and perform water rescues as necessary.
• Work directly with Programs and Activities Director to schedule all aquatic programming including classes, water sports, lap swimming, JR Programming swim activities, and other programs, coordinate with P&A Supervisors to ensure optimum pool and beach usage.
• Assist with hiring, training, and scheduling qualified lifeguards, instructors, and all other beach and pool staff, directly supervise lifeguards, instructors, and other aquatic staff.
• Conduct staff training in water safety, first aid, and CPR, ensure all staff certifications are maintained, provide regular in-service training, develop a lifeguard deck rotational system for monitoring pools, beach, and all aquatic operations.
• Assist with cleaning of beach and pool areas including refreshing bathrooms, cleaning up trash, and other assigned duties, communicate with department members and supervisors on emergencies and safety risks.
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• Position Requirements
• High School Diploma preferred.
• CPR/First Aid Teacher Training Certificate, Red Cross Lifeguard Certificate, and AED Training Certificate required.
• 1–2 years of experience in lifeguard field or related areas required.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize work activities, and respond effectively in emergency situations.