Aquatics Program Coordinator

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth; Halifax; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA membership

Y at Home access

Vacation and wellness days

Benefits package

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is seeking an Aquatics Program Coordinator at the John W. Lindsay YMCA in Halifax. This full‑time role focuses on planning, scheduling and delivering swimming lessons, managing instructors and ensuring safety and member satisfaction.

You will lead programs, supervise staff, and develop marketing materials while upholding YMCA values and safeguarding standards. Weekend/evening hours required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; post‑secondary schooling an asset.
• 3–5 years of aquatic programming delivery experience.
• 1–3 years of supervisory experience in aquatics or recreation.
• Current certifications: NLS, Swim Instructor, First Aid & CPR‑C.
• Regular weekends/evenings; flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operation of aquatic programs and swimming lessons.
• Maintain high member satisfaction, waitlist management and retention.
• Keep schedules up to date and accessible for members and staff.
• Recruit and onboard swim instructors, lifeguards, and volunteers.
• Model and uphold YMCA standards and safety requirements.
• Lead aquatics courses and respond to member questions promptly.
• Maintain clean, safe pool deck and equipment; report issues.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal and written communication

Organizational skills

Welcoming and inclusive environment

Customer service

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education in health/recreation (desire

Education

High School Diploma

Post-secondary education asset

Tools

Microsoft Office

Canva

Job description

Aquatics Program Coordinator

Location: John W. Lindsay YMCA

Program: Aquatics

Position Status: Full‑time

Compensation: $45,000 – $49,000

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 onboarding 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.

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

Required Documentation

• 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

Background‑Check Policy

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.

EEO Statement

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.

Accommodation During Hiring

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