Aquatics Coordinator

YMCA Lafayette; Summit (NJ); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA family membership

Professional development

PSLF eligible

Job summary

The Summit Area YMCA is seeking an Aquatics Coordinator to lead the indoor pool program, supervise lifeguards, and ensure a welcoming, safe environment for members and staff. You will schedule staff, manage payroll, coordinate trainings, monitor water quality, and oversee swim lessons and aquatic events, partnering with the Senior Aquatics Director.

This full-time, non-exempt role offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven,

Qualifications

• Current YMCA Lifeguard Certification or equivalent.
• Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid certifications.
• Associate's degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Sports Management, or related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of aquatics experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year of staff supervisory experience.
• YMCA Swim Instructor certification or equivalent preferred.
• Knowledge of swim lesson delivery and swimmer progression.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily indoor pool operations, staffing coverage, safe facility use, and operational concerns.
• Supervise lifeguards, scheduling, payroll, feedback, and staff accountability.
• Conduct lifeguard audits, trainings, drills, and rotations.
• Monitor pool chemical testing and water quality.
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, and member concerns with documentation.
• Coordinate staff certifications and training records.
• Enforce Family Swim, swim evaluations, and aquatic activity safety.
• Supervise swim lessons and document swimmer progress.
• Maintain daily pool schedules and inform staff of changes.
• Manage equipment and supply inventory; support events and programs.

Skills

Lifeguard Cert

CPR/First Aid

AA Degree

Aquatics Experience

Staff Supervision

Swim Instructor Cert

Swim Lessons Knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Education

Assoc. Degree in Recreation/PE/SM

Tools

Daxko

Microsoft Office

Payroll/Scheduling Systems

Job description

Ready for your next step in aquatics? Help keep our pool safe, organized, and welcoming as an Aquatics Coordinator.

Job Description

Do you enjoy leading a team, creating a safe environment, and helping people feel confident in and around the water? The Summit Area YMCA is looking for an Aquatics Coordinator to support the daily operations of our indoor pool and help create a welcoming experience for members, participants, and staff.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can support and develop a lifeguard team, keep pool operations running smoothly, and help ensure our aquatics programs are safe and successful.

Reporting to the Senior Aquatics Director, the Aquatics Coordinator oversees daily indoor aquatics operations, lifeguard supervision, staff scheduling and payroll, safety, and compliance. The position also supports assigned swim lesson operations and aquatic events.

You May Be the Right Fit If You:

• Lead by example and enjoy helping staff learn and grow.
• Put safety first and can make sound decisions in an emergency.
• Stay organized while balancing schedules, payroll, certifications, and daily operations.
• Bring hands‑on lifeguarding and swim instruction experience.
• Communicate confidently with staff, members, and families.
• Take initiative and follow through when issues arise.
• Work well as part of a team and are willing to step in where needed.

What You'll Do:

• Oversee daily indoor pool operations, including staffing coverage, safe facility use, and operational concerns.
• Supervise and support lifeguards and Head Guards, including scheduling, payroll, performance feedback, and staff accountability.
• Conduct lifeguard audits, coordinate monthly in‑service trainings, lead weekly emergency drills, and manage lifeguard rotations.
• Monitor required pool chemical testing and documentation to help maintain water quality standards.
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, member concerns, and facility issues, and complete required documentation.
• Coordinate staff certifications and compliance training and maintain current records.
• Enforce safety standards for Family Swim, swim evaluations, and other aquatic activities.
• Supervise swim lessons during assigned shifts, observe instruction, provide instructor feedback, and document swimmer progress.
• Maintain and communicate pool schedules and keep aquatic staff informed of schedule and operational changes.
• Maintain organized pool areas, equipment, and supply inventory.
• Assist with participant check‑in, family questions, camp programs, birthday parties, and special events.
• Work with the Senior Program Director to support staff development and a positive member experience.

Pay, Schedule & Work Environment

This is a full‑time, non‑exempt position with a pay range of $21.00 -$25.00 per hour. The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

The position is scheduled for 40 hours per week, generally including one weekend day and four weekdays. The schedule may adjust based on staffing and coverage needs, swim meets, and other aquatics events.

Work takes place in both an office and indoor pool environment. When lifeguarding or working on the pool deck, the Aquatics Coordinator may be exposed to warm, humid, and noisy conditions. The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, pass the required lifeguard water test, and perform water rescues. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support the essential functions of the position.

Benefits

The Summit Area YMCA offers a generous benefits package that includes:

• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and long‑term disability insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Free YMCA family membership.
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare and camp.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A 12% employer contribution to the YMCA retirement plan upon eligibility.
• Full Time service at the Y qualifies for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Equal Opportunity Employment

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen the community. Every day, we work side‑by‑side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential, and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you're from, we believe that we're stronger when we come together.

Qualifications

• Current YMCA Lifeguard Certification, American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification, or equivalent certification required.
• Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid certifications required.
• Associate's degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Sports Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of aquatics experience required, including experience with lifeguarding and swim instruction.
• Minimum of one (1) year of staff supervisory experience required, including staff scheduling, performance feedback, and accountability.
• YMCA Swim Instructor certification or equivalent preferred, with the ability to obtain required YMCA training within an established timeframe.
• Knowledge of swim lesson delivery, swimmer skill progression, and effective instructional practices.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a safe aquatic environment, exercise sound judgment, and respond calmly and appropriately to incidents and emergencies.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide constructive staff feedback and communicate effectively with members and families.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple responsibilities, and effectively manage daily operations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and scheduling, payroll, or workforce management systems preferred.

Essential Functions

• Oversee daily indoor pool operations, ensuring adequate staffing coverage, safe facility use, and timely resolution of operational concerns.
• Supervise and lead lifeguards and Head Guards, including scheduling, payroll administration, performance management, staff accountability, and adherence to departmental policies and procedures.
• Conduct daily lifeguard audits, coordinate monthly lifeguard in‑service trainings, facilitate weekly emergency drills, and manage lifeguard rotations to ensure safety, preparedness, and compliance with YMCA standards.
• Ensure water quality standards are maintained by monitoring and verifying required pool chemical testing and documentation in accordance with state and YMCA regulations.
• Respond appropriately to incidents, emergencies, member concerns, and facility issues, completing required documentation and follow‑up.
• Coordinate required certifications and compliance training, and maintain accurate staff records to ensure all required credentials remain current.
• Enforce policies, procedures, and safety standards related to Family Swim, swim evaluations, and aquatic facility usage.
• Provide operational supervision of swim lessons during assigned shifts, including instructor readiness, equipment, assignments, ratios, and safe, organized, and timely lesson delivery.
• Observe instruction and provide feedback to instructors during assigned lesson shifts. Evaluate and document swimmer progress and provide notes to the staff responsible for family communication and placement recommendations.
• Maintain and communicate daily pool schedules, including GroupEx Pro updates, in coordination with the Senior Program Director.
• Communicate and collaborate with branch leadership regarding staffing needs, facility concerns, incidents, operational challenges, and service disruptions.
• Maintain effective communication with aquatic staff through GroupMe and other approved platforms to share schedule updates, operational changes, and departmental information.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and a professional appearance throughout the aquatic facility, including pool decks, guard stations, pool office, and pool desk areas.
• Manage aquatics equipment and supply inventory to support safe and efficient daily operations. Support participant check‑in and check‑out using Daxko, answer family questions, and resolve or refer concerns to the appropriate program leader.
• Assist with staffing, supervision, and operational support for camp programs, birthday parties, and special events utilizing indoor aquatic facilities.
• Partner with the Senior Program Director on staff development and professional growth.
• Support member engagement and retention by fostering a safe, welcoming, and high‑quality aquatic experience for members, participants, and guests.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor and/ or Executive Leadership.
• As an Ambassador for the Y, I communicate to members, volunteers, and the public that the Y is the nation's leading non‑profit committed to strengthening the community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
• As an Ambassador for the Y, communicates to members, volunteers, and the general public that opportunity and inclusion are core to the Summit Area YMCA mission. The SAY is open and inclusive of all people regardless of their ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socio‑economic background and we must all strive courageously against any discriminatory behavior.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Change Leadership: Facilitates, co‑creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the organization and/or community

Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause

Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment

Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role

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