Assistant Aquatics Director

Crossroads-Ymca-; Crown Point (IN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care (medical)

Dental & vision insurance

Long-Term Disability & Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

12% retirement contribution

YMCA family membership

Program discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Crossroads YMCA in Crown Point, IN is seeking an Assistant Aquatics Director to lead and support aquatic programs, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for participants, staff, and members. The role blends leadership, hands-on program delivery, staff development, and safety oversight to deliver exceptional aquatic experiences for the community.

The position requires about two years of aquatics experience, current Lifeguard certification, and strong communication and customer service skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in aquatics, recreation, or a related field.
• Current Lifeguard certification.
• Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Previous experience supervising staff or leading aquatic programs.
• Experience with scheduling, budgeting, and program administration.
• Experience working in a YMCA or nonprofit environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with aquatics program operations, planning, coordination, marketing, and evaluation.
• Support growth and quality of swim lessons, lifeguarding programs, aquatic fitness classes, and special events.
• Supervise staff and provide coaching and performance feedback.
• Provide active supervision on deck and support events and operational coverage as needed.
• Ensure safety certifications and compliance with YMCA policies and industry standards.
• Administrative support including scheduling, payroll processing, and record keeping.
• Engage with members, volunteers, and community partners to strengthen YMCA impact.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Safety awareness

Customer service

Communication

Emergency response

Office software

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pay starting at $19.00 per hour and up based on experienceTurn Your Passion for Aquatics into Leadership That Makes Waves.Position SummaryAt the YMCA, we strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Assistant Aquatics Director plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day operation and growth of aquatic programs while ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for participants, members, volunteers, and staff. This position combines leadership, hands-on program delivery, staff development, customer service, and safety oversight. The Assistant Aquatics Director works closely with the Aquatics Director to support program operations, supervise staff, maintain compliance, and help deliver exceptional aquatic experiences for the community.What Success Looks LikeSuccessful Assistant Aquatics Directors:Create a safe, positive, and engaging aquatic environment.Build strong relationships with participants, families, staff, and community partners.Lead by example through active involvement in daily operations and program delivery.Support and develop aquatic staff through training, coaching, and accountability.Ensure compliance with safety standards, certifications, and YMCA policies.Adapt quickly to changing schedules, staffing needs, and operational priorities.What You'll Be DoingAquatics Program OperationsAssist with the planning, coordination, marketing, and evaluation of aquatic programs and services.Support the growth and quality of swim lessons, lifeguarding programs, aquatic fitness classes, and special events.Monitor participant satisfaction and recommend improvements to enhance member experiences.Help ensure programs align with YMCA standards and community needs.Staff Leadership & DevelopmentAssist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training aquatic staff.Provide ongoing coaching, support, and performance feedback.Help conduct staff evaluations and support corrective action processes when needed.Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment.Direct Program LeadershipProvide active supervision during assigned shifts.Spend a significant portion of time on deck, in the pool area, and directly supporting participants and staff.Assist with swim lessons, aquatic programming, special events, and operational coverage as needed.Serve as a role model for professionalism, customer service, and safety.Safety & Risk ManagementEnsure staff maintain required certifications, including CPR/AED, First Aid, Lifeguarding, and Swim Instructor certifications.Conduct and participate in emergency drills and in-service trainings.Monitor safety practices and ensure compliance with YMCA policies and industry standards.Respond appropriately to emergencies and support incident management procedures.Administrative SupportAssist with scheduling, payroll processing, record keeping, and reporting.Support budget management and help ensure programs operate within approved financial guidelines.Maintain accurate records related to certifications, training, attendance, and safety compliance.Assist with purchasing and maintaining aquatic equipment and supplies.Community EngagementRespond professionally and promptly to member questions, concerns, and feedback.Support YMCA fundraising efforts, including the Annual Campaign.Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners to strengthen YMCA impact and engagement.What You Should Know Before ApplyingThis is a hands-on leadership role. While administrative responsibilities are an important part of the position, much of your time will be spent supporting staff, supervising aquatic areas, interacting with participants, and helping ensure programs run smoothly.You May Enjoy This Role If You:Enjoy mentoring and developing staff.Like working directly with participants and families.Thrive in a fast-paced environment where every day is different.Are passionate about water safety and aquatic education.Enjoy balancing leadership responsibilities with direct program involvement.Value teamwork, community impact, and mission-driven work.Challenges of the RoleWorking in a physically active environment with prolonged periods on deck or in aquatic areas.Managing multiple priorities, schedules, and staffing needs simultaneously.Responding quickly and effectively during emergencies.Working evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional on-call shifts.Maintaining high safety standards while delivering excellent member experiences.Balancing administrative responsibilities with operational and participant-facing duties.QualificationsMinimum of two years of experience in aquatics, recreation, or a related field.Current Lifeguard certification.Strong communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.Ability to work independently and collaboratively.Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard office software.Ability to respond effectively during emergency situationsPrevious experience supervising staff or leading aquatic programs.Experience with scheduling, budgeting, and program administration.Experience working in a YMCA or nonprofit environment.Work Environment & Physical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 50 pounds.Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, and move throughout the workday.Ability to work in humid, wet, and aquatic environments for extended periods.Exposure to outdoor weather conditions and extreme temperatures during seasonal aquatic operations.Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively and monitor participant safety.High level of alertness, concentration, and initiative, particularly in safety-sensitive situations.Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.Our Benefits IncludeHealth care medical coverageDental and vision insuranceEmployer-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Life InsuranceGenerous Paid Time Off (PTO)12% employer retirement contributionComplimentary YMCA family membership50% discount on most YMCA programsOngoing professional development and leadership development opportunities