AQUATICS SUPERVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION

An Aquatics Supervisor is a frontline safety and operations leader with direct command over lifeguard deployment, ride attendant oversight, and guest emergency response. The role sits within the Park Operations division, typically reporting to an Aquatics Manager or Director of Operations. What makes the position demanding is the dual accountability it carries: enforcing American Red Cross or Ellis & Associates certification standards for every staff member while simultaneously maintaining guest throughput and service quality across water attractions. No one else on the floor owns both the safety audit and the shift schedule.

As the Aquatics Supervisor, you own the daily safety and operational performance of a waterpark's aquatics team, from lifeguard placement and in-service training to incident response and labor compliance. You work within the Park Operations structure, coordinating directly with park duty managers and HR to keep staffing levels, certification records, and guest service metrics aligned with company standards.

Career Impact: Earning and maintaining Lifeguard Instructor or Ellis & Associates Instructor certification in a high-volume waterpark environment builds a credential profile that stands out at every level of aquatic facility management.

Business Impact: When lifeguard rotations, audit results, and emergency action plans are owned by a competent Aquatics Supervisor, the park operates without the guest injuries and compliance failures that close attractions and generate liability.

Growth Opportunity: The supervisory experience and certification depth gained here - spanning training delivery, labor management, and safety audits - form the direct pathway to Aquatics Manager and Director of Operations roles in larger park networks.

• Supervise lifeguard and ride attendant teams across all water attractions to ensure continuous zone coverage and safety compliance.
• Lead in-service training sessions and certification audits to keep all staff current with American Red Cross or equivalent standards.
• Monitor and enforce Emergency Action Plans during incidents, coordinating with first aid staff and emergency response agencies as required.
• Conduct staff performance check-ins and coach team leads toward individual development goals and operational benchmarks.
• Manage daily labor scheduling, including coverage adjustments, opening and closing procedures, and Child Labor Law compliance.
• Investigate guest safety incidents and service complaints, documenting findings and recommending corrective actions to the Aquatics Manager.
• Oversee water quality checks, pool area inspections, and equipment maintenance to meet health department standards.
• Partner with HR and Park Operations teams on interviewing, onboarding, and disciplinary actions for aquatics staff.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sports Management, or a related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of aquatics supervisory experience, with demonstrated responsibility for staff scheduling and safety compliance in a waterpark or aquatic facility setting.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification, or Ellis & Associates equivalent, required at time of hire or obtainable within 60 days.
• Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification required or ability to obtain within 60 days of employment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage labor budgets and staffing levels across variable peak and off-peak guest volumes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear instruction under time pressure and in emergency conditions.
• Physical ability to perform water rescues, lift up to 50 pounds, climb attraction structures, and stand for extended periods in outdoor heat and humidity.
• Minimum 18 years of age; must hold a valid driver's license or be able to meet park driving requirements.

• Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LIT) certification or active progress toward it within a recognized Red Cross instructor pathway.
• Previous supervisory experience specifically within a theme park, resort waterpark, or multi-attraction outdoor facility.
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) designation, or documented completion of pool chemistry and operations coursework.
• Familiarity with workforce scheduling systems and experience preparing payroll documentation for hourly seasonal staff.

• Staff certification compliance rate, measured as percentage of team holding current required credentials at any audit point.
• Incident response time, tracking how quickly the supervisor activates an Emergency Action Plan from first alert to first aid deployment.
• Guest service score per shift or attraction zone, reflecting resolution rate of complaints escalated to supervisory level.
• Audit pass rate across lifeguard zone checks and equipment inspections conducted each operating day.
• Labor budget variance, measuring actual hours worked against scheduled hours across the aquatics department each pay period.
• Typical tools: workforce scheduling platforms (commonly scheduling software used in park operations); incident reporting systems (commonly paper-based logs or digital park management platforms).

• Base Salary Range: $38,000 to $52,000 annually; hourly roles range $18 to $25 per hour.
• Bonus: seasonal performance bonuses common; typically $500 to $1,500 for full-season supervisors.
• Equity: not typical for this role at this level.
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage standard for full-time roles.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually; seasonal positions may receive end-of-season completion bonuses instead.
• Common Perks: free park admission, complimentary guest passes, uniform allowance, and employee discount programs at park retail and dining outlets.

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

Successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, a security clearance screening is a condition of employment for this position. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Aquatics Supervisor leads the day-to-day safety and service performance of a waterpark aquatics team, overseeing staff supervision, labor budget control, and Child Labor Law compliance. Reporting to the Aquatics Manager, this role shapes the on-floor guest experience by resolving concerns, recognizing exceptional service, and ensuring opening and closing procedures run on schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide exemplary service, resolve guest concerns, investigate reoccurring issues, and recognize team members who deliver exceptional service.
• Interview and hire leadership team members.
• Supervise, train and counsel team members, team leads and assistant supervisors while enforcing safety procedures, guidelines and park policies.
• Ensure compliance of Child Labor Laws with regards to breaks, lunches and hours worked per day.
• Oversee water and first aid send-outs.
• Monitor and control labor budgets as directed by the Aquatics Manager.
• Manage the area opening and closing procedures and ensure all team members complete tasks within a timely manner.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age with a High School Diploma preferred.
• Must hold American Red Cross Lifeguarding or Shallow Water Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR/AED for Lifeguards and Water Park Skills certification, or be able to obtain it.
• Must have at least one (1) year of leadership experience or equivalent external experience.
• Maintain proficiency in park knowledge, water rescue, CPR/AED, and First Aid skills.
• Excellent multi-tasking, time management, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Active listener with a passion for customer service and the ability to anticipate guests' needs.
• Ability to work in a team to promote a safe and secure environment and assist with pre and post season setup on a limited basis.

Embedded within a natatorium facility team, the Aquatics Supervisor maintains constant watch over all pool activities, manages and supervises staff, and oversees chemical readings, equipment maintenance, and Emergency Action Plans. Working closely with facility leadership, this role delivers safe, health-code-compliant aquatic operations by upholding daily chemical standards and responding to emergencies as they arise.

Core Functions

• Maintain daily/weekly chemical readings and levels to health code standards and perform pool equipment maintenance as needed.
• Assist in programming and evaluation of special events, programs, and activities.
• Manage Emergency Action Plans when activated.
• Inspire others by example to ethically achieve organizational goals and objectives.
• Demonstrate competency working with innovative and evolving technology and equipment.
• Perform strenuous work that may require lifting 20 lbs., swimming, and climbing.

Qualifications & Experience

• Have the capacity for logical, analytical and rational thinking.
• Be able to work a flexible schedule to include early mornings, nights, and weekends.
• Strive to exceed expectations and foster relationships with positive and effective communication.
• Be aware there may be occasional health emergencies requiring CPR and/or First Aid administration and/or contact with emergency response agencies.
• Be aware there will be occasional maintenance/cleaning of pool area and/or bathrooms meeting standard cleaning procedures and universal precautions.
• Have exposure to chemicals such as chlorine, acids, and other cleaning supplies.

Reporting to senior park leadership, the Supervisor, Aquatics leads all activities of the Aquatics Operations team across ride operation and lifeguarding, ensuring SEA safety, quality, cleanliness, and guest courtesy standards are consistently met. Partnering with ambassadors, park duty managers, and the broader operations team, this role builds a culture of accountability and performance that enables safe, high-quality guest experiences across Adventure Island.

Primary Duties

• Lead all activities of the Aquatics Operations team, primarily ride operation and lifeguarding, ensuring all SEA safety, quality, cleanliness, efficiency and guest courtesy standards are met.
• Oversee daily functions related to ride operation and lifeguarding including morning and evening park quality duties.
• Oversee and conduct training and audits of lifeguards, and fill ride operator and lifeguarding positions as needed.
• Hold ambassadors and leadership accountable for policy, procedural exceptions, guest service metrics, and other performance measures.
• Coach and develop ambassadors and leadership to include continuous goal setting and performance review.
• Investigate safety and guest service related incidents with guests and/or ambassadors.
• Manage efficient use of labor and expenses, monitor industry standards, and advise senior leadership of relevant findings.
• Enthusiastically represent Adventure Island by displaying a positive attitude, high energy, and commitment to quality at all times.
• Participate in park duty coverage and perform miscellaneous duties as needed.
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Education & Experience

• High School diploma required, Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR and AED for the Professional Rescuer certification required, Lifeguard Instructor and CPR Instructor certification to be obtained within 60 days, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer preferred.
• 1–3 years of supervisory experience required, previous theme park supervisory experience preferred.
• Valid Driver's License meeting Busch Gardens driving guidelines required, must pass Deep Water Swim test.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, familiarity with SEA Scheduling and reporting applications preferred.
• Exceptional ability to inspire and nurture a diverse team with excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Highly motivated, organized, and goal oriented with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must lift/carry up to 50 lbs., perform extensive walking and standing, work in various weather conditions, work in water depths up to 12 feet, and climb heights up to 80 feet frequently.
• Available for a flexible schedule including opening/closing shifts, weekends, early mornings, late evenings, and holidays.

Sitting at the intersection of community recreation and public facility operations, the Aquatics Supervisor oversees the full functionality of The Cove at the Lakefront® aquatic park, from staff supervision and emergency action planning to budget monitoring and vendor contracts. Operating across safety compliance, revenue collection, marketing support, and special events, this role builds a servant leadership culture grounded in Little Elm's Core Values of Integrity, Customer Service, Efficiency, and Innovation.

Duties

• Supervise staff including recruiting, hiring, coaching, and performance decisions, instill servant leadership principles and develop strategies to motivate staff to meet safety and customer service standards.
• Manage operations, ensure proper functionality of The Cove at the Lakefront® aquatic park, and oversee general maintenance and cleanliness of the facility.
• Assist in creating and implementing emergency action plans and operational policies/procedures, train staff to meet and exceed emergency action plan standards.
• Implement business plan to maximize revenue, enforce facility rules, and respond to customer complaints, assist with marketing and social media strategies including Activity Guide and website content.
• Assist in preparing and monitoring the division budget, regularly monitor revenues, expenses, procurement, and purchasing in compliance with Town policies, prepare and monitor staff payroll.
• Collect revenue and prepare detailed records, oversee purchasing and contracts for vendors, develop and maintain positive relationships with vendors and community agencies.
• Lifeguard, teach aquatics classes, host events/rentals, administer pool activities, and assist with special events as needed, perform manager-on-duty and facility opening/closing procedures.

Skills & Qualifications

• Must obtain Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification within 60 days of employment.
• Must possess CPR, First Aid, AED, and Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certifications within 60 days of employment, Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT) preferred.
• Must be bondable and hold a valid Texas Driver's License.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently and respond to inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, and the business community.
• Must be able to work a varied schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.

A key member of the aquatics leadership team, the Aquatics Supervisor assists the Director of Aquatics in hiring, training, and supervising lifeguards, swim instructors, counselors, and fitness instructors across youth and family programs. Collaborating across departments on seasonal events, class placements, and curriculum gaps, this role builds staff capability and program quality that directly supports the mission and values of Manhattan Youth.

Functions

• Assist the Director of Aquatics in hiring, training, and supervising lifeguards, swim instructors, counselors, and fitness instructors, ensure staff have proper certifications and attend orientations and training.
• Coach, counsel, and review all aquatics staff, conduct regular check-in meetings with individual staff.
• Observe lessons and provide a feedback loop for staff which encourages growth and open communication.
• Maintain an active presence to parents and members, model relationship-building skills while promoting Manhattan Youth values.
• Write daily notes to Aquatics Director and supervisors to report on day's events and program notes.
• Communicate with Aquatics Director and Registrar regarding swimmer registration, class placements, and parent/caregiver concerns.
• Coordinate with other departments on seasonal events, information nights, handouts, brochures, and scheduling of meets and other events.
• Assess current programs and create/implement new events, activities, policies and procedures where gaps are present.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent required.
• 2–4 years of related program experience required, 2–4 years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Current certifications in Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer a plus, LGI and WSI Certifications a plus or willingness to obtain within 3 months.
• Exemplary organization, communication, and interpersonal skills with a customer-service background required.
• Strong desire to work with children and families, background in Early Childhood Education or expertise with swimming programs for children 5 and under is a plus.

Consistent aquatic centre operations across a team of approximately eighty staff depend on the Aquatic Supervisor, who manages scheduling, payroll accuracy, safety monitoring, and program delivery at the Syncrude Aquatic Centre. Based within the aquatics department and reporting directly to the Manager, Aquatics, this role delivers community recreation outcomes by coaching staff, overseeing program development, and maintaining safety and compliance standards.

Accountabilities

• Coordinate, supervise and oversee day-to-day operations of the aquatic centre including scheduling, coverage, time off requests, and payroll accuracy.
• Update and maintain employee files tracking certifications, payroll changes, and scheduling through When to Work and Payworks.
• Liaise with Human Resources to ensure administrative policies are followed and resolve schedule/pay issues, interpret local union agreements and address related concerns.
• Participate in recruitment, hiring, and orientation of new team members, provide feedback on probation and yearly reviews.
• Monitor safety of all activities and respond immediately to safety concerns, respond to and resolve difficult guest inquiries and complaints.
• Oversee development, implementation and evaluation of aquatics, fitness, recreation, sport and arts programs, research new trends in program development and facility management.
• Assist in development of division strategic plan and coordinate short and long range work plans, assist with facility maintenance, annual shutdowns and capital improvements.
• Develop and promote responsive relationships with community organizations, teach Red Cross and Lifesaving Society aquatic programs and perform lifeguard duties as required.
• Assist Aquatic Manager on special projects, operation of Sonny Flett Aquatic Centre, and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Current Standard First Aid (including CPR C), National Lifeguard or Red Cross Lifeguard, Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, and Lifesaving Instructor certifications required.
• Alberta Pool Operator Certification Level 1 and Level 2, additional certifications including Lifeguard Instructor, Lifesaving Trainer, Aquatic Supervisor, First Aid Instructor, Water Safety Instructor Trainer, and Aquatic Fitness Certification are assets.
• At least 4 years of aquatic experience with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong background in aquatic programming, services development, community engagement, and partnership building.
• Highly developed interpersonal, supervisory, pool mechanical and maintenance skills, effective Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.
• Excellent customer service, team building, and organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize efficiently.

As the Aquatics Supervisor, this role owns the safety and staffing performance of North America's largest fully-enclosed indoor DreamWorks Water Park, overseeing lifeguard placement, first aid response, and staff training within a large-scale entertainment destination. The aquatics team at American Dream relies on this work to maintain guest safety standards, resolve service concerns, and sustain compliant operations across a multi-attraction facility open seven days a week.

Activities

• Maintain a safe work environment through effective training, policies, procedures, and analysis of incident reports.
• Conduct regular conversations with aquatics staff to ensure individual development and goals are met through performance management tools.
• Supervise and coordinate lifeguards and facility staff to ensure all staff are at their appropriate work stations.
• Respond to major and minor first aid situations and monitor the first aid facility staff.
• Perform administrative duties including interviewing, onboarding, accident investigations, and implementing staff training programs.
• Respond to guest concerns and special requests utilizing exceptional customer service and conflict resolution skills.
• Maintain a professional appearance and attitude, actively create and maintain a safe environment, and enforce safety rules and regulations.
• Perform other supervisory duties as required.

Experience & Qualifications

• Current or willing to obtain E&A (Ellis and Associates) license, E&A Basic Leadership Training license, and E&A Special Facilities prerequisite skills, E&A Instructor license preferred.
• CPO training, employee relations training, and/or Safety Management Training an asset.
• Two (2) years of experience in an Aquatic/Waterpark Facility Supervisor or Lifeguard Supervisor role.
• Outgoing and personable with excellent communication skills (speaking, writing, reading, and understanding English) and a commitment to excellence in public relations.
• Outstanding leadership ability with commitment to teaching, mentoring, team building, and motivating peers and subordinates.
• Safety-minded with the ability to stay calm in emergency situations, ability to work in a hot and humid environment with exposure to water and chlorine.
• Must be at least 18 years of age, full-time position requiring flexible availability Monday through Sunday including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, must pass a basic security clearance.

Aquatics Supervisor owns full supervision of an outdoor municipal aquatics facility, overseeing staff scheduling, water chemistry compliance, revenue processing, and emergency response to keep the pool operating safely and within health department standards. The work directly supports community access to aquatic recreation by ensuring cash handling procedures, RecTrac-based ticket and registration operations, and program scheduling are maintained throughout the season.

Operational Focus

• Supervise Aquatics Center staff including scheduling, training, performance reviews, payroll, and personnel actions.
• Monitor and maintain water chemistry through chemical testing, documentation, and compliance with health department standards.
• Inspect pool and surrounding area for maintenance needs and assign clean-up duties to staff.
• Compile and submit operating reports including daily receipts, attendance, and accident and emergency rescue reports.
• Collect, secure and process pool revenues in accordance with established cash handling procedures, maintain adequate inventory by ordering necessary supplies and equipment.
• Use RecTrac for ticket sales, registrations, and concessions, implement rules and policies and direct staff in explaining procedures to pool users.
• Conduct periodic emergency drills and act to immediately resolve emergency situations as required.
• Supervise, coordinate and conduct special events, regular staff meetings, and pool scheduling for effective facility use.
• Provide exemplary customer service, resolve citizen complaints, and perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• High school education or G.E.D.
• Two years related experience (four seasons as Head Lifeguard may substitute).
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications for the professional rescuer, and Accredited Manager of Pool Operations certification, or ability to obtain by end of seasonal employee orientation.
• Current ServSafe Texas Food Handler Certificate or ability to obtain by end of seasonal employee orientation.
• Must be able to stand, walk, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and occasionally carry, lift or move items, work performed outside with regard to environmental conditions.

The Aquatics Supervisor delivers aquatics and CPR training for all team members in accordance with American Red Cross and SEA Standards, while providing active supervisory coverage across all park water attractions at Sesame Place. Reporting within the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment aquatics structure and collaborating with park Duty Managers, this role leads a certified, safety-first team whose readiness directly supports consistent guest and staff safety outcomes across every operating shift.

Key Deliverables

• Provide training for all aquatics team members in accordance with American Red Cross and SEA Standards, including CPR training for Security and Sesame Place Full-Time team members.
• Provide coverage as Aquatics Duty Supervisor overseeing all park water attractions by providing active leadership to ensure safety, service, and quality for guests and team members.
• Schedule all training classes, instructor assignments, and in-service training classes, conduct required audits.
• Coach and counsel team members to promote development, respond to guest requirements, expectations, and needs.
• Complete administrative tasks including labor management, compliance, business reporting, and weekly schedules for all Aquatics team members.
• Participate in Park and department Duty Manager rotations as needed.
• Enthusiastically represent SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Sesame Place by displaying a positive attitude, high energy, and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Must hold American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification (or equivalent) and Lifeguard Instructor Certification, or ability to obtain within 60 days, must be able to obtain Lifeguard Instructor Trainer certification.
• Must have at least 2 years of aquatics training experience and prior aquatic leadership experience.
• Must have strong written/verbal communication skills with no significant performance deficiencies within a 1-year period.
• Must be able to stand, walk and/or sit for prolonged periods and lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Must complete all legal, company, and department training requirements including required tests and certifications within established timelines, comply and ensure all team members comply with SEA grooming guidelines and employment standards.
• Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Embedded within the Six Flags aquatics department, the Aquatics Supervisor shapes a Guest First safety culture by overseeing lifeguards and ride attendants, managing scheduling, and coordinating with the Park Service and Operations teams to meet department and park goals. Working closely with the HR team and full-time aquatics supervisors, this role builds operational compliance with Six Flags training standards and maintains throughput and safety performance across all aquatics operations.

Areas of Ownership

• Ensure the safe operation of the park and oversee aquatics work crew projects, working closely with the Park Service team.
• Assist the aquatics senior staff with management of the department and oversee the aquatics staff including lifeguards and ride attendants.
• Assist with department and division training and oversee scheduling in the aquatics department.
• Work with HR Team on interviewing as needed and collaborate with Operations Staff to ensure department and park goals are achieved.
• Ensure Guest First Standards are followed and enforced, maintain high throughput goals and handle guest comments and complaints.
• Ensure all training requirements and testing procedures are adhered to as set forth by Six Flags.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by full-time aquatics supervisor or above.

Background & Experience

• Must achieve, receive and maintain Ellis and Associates certification and Ellis and Associates Instructor certification.
• Two years of aquatics experience, preferably in a leadership role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an enthusiastic and positive Guest First orientation.
• Strong leadership and motivational ability, self-motivated with outstanding performance as a team member and/or lead.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to respond to, adapt to, and oversee all emergency situations.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, walk and stand for up to 4 hours at a time, lift and carry up to 75 pounds, and operate a motor vehicle.