Aquatics Coordinator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized medical, dental, and vision

Life and long-term disability

Paid vacation and holidays

Free YMCA family membership

Discounts on YMCA programs and camps

Professional development and training

12% employer retirement contribution

Public Service Student Loan Forgive/PS

Job summary

The Summit Area YMCA is seeking an Aquatics Coordinator to lead the daily indoor pool operations, oversee lifeguard staff, and ensure a welcoming experience for members and families. This hands-on leadership role includes scheduling, payroll, safety compliance, swim lesson support, and event coordination, with duties spanning staff development and high-quality Aquatics programs.

You’ll collaborate with the Senior Aquatics Director to maintain water quality, run drills, and deliver a safe,

Qualifications

• Current YMCA Lifeguard Certification, American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification, or equivalent required.
• Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and First Aid certifications required.
• Associate’s degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Sports Management, or related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Minimum of two years aquatics experience with lifeguarding and swim instruction.
• Minimum of one year staff supervisory experience (scheduling, feedback, accountability).
• YMCA Swim Instructor certification or equivalent preferred (ability to obtain YMCA training).
• Knowledge of swim lesson delivery, swimmer skill progression, and effective instructional practices.
• Ability to maintain a safe aquatic environment and respond calmly to incidents.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage daily operations and use scheduling/payroll/workforce systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily indoor pool operations, staffing coverage, safe facility use, and operational concerns.
• Supervise lifeguards and Head Guards, including scheduling, payroll, feedback, and accountability.
• Conduct lifeguard audits, coordinate monthly trainings, lead weekly drills, and manage rotations.
• Monitor pool chemical testing and water quality documentation.
• Respond to incidents, member concerns, and facility issues with required documentation.
• Coordinate staff certifications and compliance training; maintain records.
• Enforce safety standards for activities and evaluations.
• Supervise swim lessons during shifts; observe instruction and provide feedback.
• Maintain pool schedules and inform staff of changes.
• Maintain pool areas, equipment, and supply inventory.
• Assist with participant check-in, family questions, camp programs, and events.
• Collaborate with Senior Program Director on staff development and member experience.

Skills

Lifeguard supervision

Team leadership

Safety management

Organization

Staff communication

Initiative

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree in Recreation, Physical Education, Sports Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Scheduling software

Payroll systems

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.

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)

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.

• 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.