Aquatics Operations Lead: Lifeguards, Lessons & Safety

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

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,