Aquatics Program Coordinator

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Halifax; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary YMCA membership to our H

Access to Y at Home

Three weeks' vacation entitlement and

Comprehensive benefits package and

Complimentary wellbeing and counsellin

Job summary

The YMCA is hiring an Aquatics Program Coordinator at the John W. Lindsay YMCA to lead swimming lessons, schedules, and instructor coordination.

You will recruit and onboard lifeguards, ensure safety standards, and maintain facilities while delivering engaging aquatics programs for all ages.

The role requires 3–5 years of aquatics delivery, supervisory experience, and Lifeguard/Instructor certifications; weekends and evenings required.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma; post-secondary education is an asset.
• 3–5 years of experience delivering aquatic programs to youth and/or adults.
• 1–3 years supervisory experience in aquatics or recreation.
• Current certifications: National Lifeguard Service, Swim Instructor, First Aid & CPR-C.
• Regular schedule includes weekends and evenings; flexibility to work irregular hours required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and support aquatics programs for individuals of all ages.
• Schedule swimming lessons, ensure instructors follow YMCA protocols, sign-ins, and safety.
• Recruit and onboard swim instructors, lifeguards, and volunteers.
• Ensure pool deck, equipment, and facilities comply with safety standards.
• Develop marketing materials to promote aquatic programs and certifications.

Skills

Aquatics programming

Supervisory experience

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma

National Lifeguard Service

Swim Instructor Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Canva

Job description

Title: Aquatics Program Coordinator

Location: John W. Lindsay YMCA

Program: Aquatics

Position Status: Full-Time

Compensation: $45,000 - $49,000

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone's in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It's your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

Benefits

• Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
• Three (3) weeks' vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the role:

The Aquatics Coordinator is a key role within the YMCA, responsible for planning, organizing, supporting, and implementing aquatics programs for individuals of all ages. The aquatics coordinator will have a major role in running our Swimming Lessons programs, ensuring all lessons are appropriately scheduled, instructors are following YMCA protocol, members are signed in for lessons, and lessons are run safely and effectively. The position requires a passion for aquatics and recreation, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to the YMCA’s core values and mission.

In this role, you will:

• Ensure the smooth operation of aquatic programs (swimming lessons, etc.).
• Ensure a high level of YMCA member satisfaction, attendance, smooth waitlist management, and member retention relating to swimming lessons and other aquatic programming.
• Ensure aquatic programs and schedules are readily available, easy to find, and up to date for all YMCA members and staff well in advance of registration dates.
• Support the recruiting and on-boarding of swim instructors, lifeguards, and program volunteers.
• Ensure modeling and championing of The Y Way behavioral standards.
• Ensure all YMCA child safeguarding and aquatic certification standards are current for both staff and volunteers.
• Lead programs including swimming instruction, lifeguarding, and aquatics leadership courses (if certified to do so).
• Respond to member questions and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensure YMCA pool deck, pool storage closets, and aquatics-related equipment are clean and maintained in keeping with safety requirements.
• Follow Association, industry, provincial, and occupational health and safety requirements regarding safe work practices, safety reporting, routine inspections, and monitoring of YMCA program facilities.
• Develop marketing materials such as posters, flyers, and social media posts in helping to promote aquatic programs and certifications.
• Enhance member engagement through communication of program guide and YMCA aquatics offerings.
• Support the Aquatics Manager and other YMCA Leadership team members in gathering and analyzing analytics for swimming lesson attendance and other aquatic programs.
• Provide excellent service to YMCA members and visitors to our facility, including:
• Greeting members within 5 feet and acknowledging members within 10 feet.
• Acknowledging members who are waiting for service and asking questions to determine what they need, then providing support however you can.
• Watching for members who appear to need assistance and proactively offer help, especially if they look confused or in distress around the facility or in their department areas.
• Take ownership and pride in maintaining clean and tidy spaces, ensuring staff and volunteers complete all cleaning checklists as part of daily routines.
• Ensure program equipment is returned to where it belongs and that the program space is clean and tidy.
• When circulating through common areas, cleaning or tidying up anything that needs it: garbage, towels, water on floors or counters, open locker doors, etc.
• If a cleaning issue cannot be immediately resolved, report it to the facilities team, supervisor, or cleaning manager.
• Establish member connections and relationships and ensure participants are obeying YMCA etiquette on safe equipment use and attitude in the facility.

Education and skills qualifications:

• High School Diploma required; post-secondary schooling an asset
• 3-5 years of experience in delivery of aquatic programming to youth and/or adults
• 1-3 years of supervisory experience in aquatics or a recreation field
• Current certifications required: National Lifeguard Service, Swim Instructor, Intermediate Workplace (formerly Standard) First Aid & CPR-C
• Regular schedule includes weekends and evenings; flexibility to work irregular hours required
• Passion for health, aquatics, recreation, and helping others with demonstrated compassion
• Strong interpersonal skills including relationship building and ability to create welcoming and inclusive environment for all staff, volunteers, and YMCA members
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Canva (or other design software)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Lifesaving Instructor, NLS Instructor, Bronze or NLS Examiner an asset

Background checks and requirements:

• A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
• Valid Intermediate Workplace First Aid and CPR-C Training

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.