Aquatics Program Lead | Lifeguard & Swim Instructor

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA Family Membership

20% Childcare Discount

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Dental and Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Parental Leave

Retirement Savings (403(b))

Paid Disability Leave

Life Insurance

Pay on Demand

Professional Growth

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is seeking a Lead Aquatics Specialist at Mary Free Bed YMCA. The role blends on-deck leadership with administrative duties, ensuring safety, staffing, and program coverage across mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Responsibilities include lifeguarding, swim instruction, staff orientation, safety enforcement, and support for audits. Certifications required: ARC Lifeguard, CPR, and YMCA Swim Instructor within specified timelines.

Qualifications

• Lifeguard/Swim instructor certifications and related training required.
• Ability to react quickly to emergencies and supervise aquatic staff.
• Experience with YMCA programs and lifeguard operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a visible pool deck presence with lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons.
• Complete lesson rosters and supervise designated shifts.
• Orient new staff and inform Director of re-certifications.
• Enforce safety rules and emergency procedures; administer first aid and CPR.
• Run lifeguard in-service trainings and coordinate lifeguard certifications.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Emergency response

Staff supervision

Pool operations

Education

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification

CPR for rescue

YMCA Swim Instructor Certification

First Aid Certification

AED-Oxygen Certification

Blood Borne Pathogen training

ICHAT background clearance

Tools

Computer proficiency

Job description

The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is seeking a Lead Aquatics Specialist at Mary Free Bed YMCA. The role blends on-deck leadership with administrative duties, ensuring safety, staffing, and program coverage across mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Responsibilities include lifeguarding, swim instruction, staff orientation, safety enforcement, and support for audits. Certifications required: ARC Lifeguard, CPR, and YMCA Swim Instructor within specified timelines.