Camp Cherokee Waterfront Director

YMCA of Upper Palmetto; Blacksburg (SC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Upper Palmetto’s Camp Cherokee waterfront seeks a dedicated Waterfront Director to plan, supervise and enhance a safe, fun aquatic program for campers. You will lead lifeguards, design lessons, and maintain equipment while ensuring a positive water-front atmosphere.

The role requires lifeguard certification (preferred-WSI, Waterfront), First Aid/CPR, and 21+ or two years of college. You will train staff and coordinate with program directors during pre-camp and ongoing activities.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old or have completed two years of college
• Lifeguard certified (preferred-WSI, Waterfront)
• First Aid and CPR certification required
• Strong leadership and sound judgment
• Good health, enthusiasm, maturity, teamwork and communication skills
• Interest in the development of children
• Ability to endure heat, physical exertion and daily swimming/walking
• Must operate safely in waterfront environments and supervise activities

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and supervise a safe and fun aquatic program.
• Evaluate swim levels of campers and staff.
• Write and implement aquatic lesson plans.
• Lead waterfront staff trainings and supervise lifeguards.
• Maintain waterfront equipment and facilities, and perform inventory.
• Organize lifeguard coverage during field trips and activities.
• Ensure high-quality aquatic classes and safety compliance.
• Provide weekly in-service training for lifeguards/counselors.
• Assist in staff training and program planning sessions.
• Culture of a positive and enthusiastic waterfront for campers and staff

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety awareness

Lifeguard supervision

Youth program enthusiasm

Education

Two years of college

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

To provide a safe and fun aquatic program through YMCA Camp Cherokee’s program design and implementation, specific to camper age differences at Camp Cherokee’s waterfront. Provide leadership and management to lifeguards and other camp staff, while maintaining the overall well-being of the waterfront facilities and equipment.

• Plan, manage and supervise a safe and fun aquatic program.
• Effectively evaluate swim levels of all campers and staff members.
• Implement creative aquatic classes.
• Assist staff members in writing lesson plans for aquatic classes.
• Provide an effective swim lesson class for campers with entry level swim skills.
• Focus on skill development for campers and staff involved in the waterfront program (swimming and boating).
• Train and supervise waterfront staff/ counselor responsibilities
• Train lifeguards and counselors in waterfront responsibilities.
• Discuss planning and implementation during staff training(s).
• Organize lifeguard staff during field trips with aquatic facilities.
• Ensure lifeguards and counselors are providing a safe and high-quality aquatic classes.
• Manage waterfront staff evaluation process.
• Communicate directly with lifeguards and program director(s).
• Conduct a weekly in-service training for lifeguard staff members.
• Manage the physical equipment and facility at the waterfront area
• Upkeep the waterfront area including trash, lost and found clothing, PFDs and boating equipment.
• Assist lifeguards and counselors in the proper use of waterfront equipment (PFDs and boating).
• Properly set up the waterfront prior to the arrival of participants.
• Conduct aquatic equipment inventory prior to and concluding summer camp.
• Conduct daily equipment checks, and file any program orders or maintenance needed.
• Monitor the waterfront daily, and keep the area free of hazards and debris.
• Assist other program staff when needed.
• Assist Evening Program Director.
• Create a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere at the waterfront for campers and staff.
• Opening/ Closing Day Responsibilities
• Plan and supervise campers and staff during “bridge” sessions.
• Actively assist in “OD” responsibilities.
• Identify and maintain all aquatic equipment including but not limited to PFDs, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, aqua trampoline, aquatic ID bands, paddles and lifeguard equipment. Note when repairs are needed or new program materials are needed.

Qualifications:

• Waterfront Director must be at least lifeguard certified (preferred-WSI, Waterfront)
• Must be 21 years of age or have completed at least two years of college.
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Must attend all pre-camp training, retreats, and opening training session.
• Possess leadership qualities and ability to use sound judgment.
• Good health, enthusiasm, individual maturity, moral character, team qualities, and communication skills.
• Possess interest in the development of children.
• Must be able to endure hot temperatures, physical exertion, manual labor, behavioral conflicts, and must be able to walk, run, and swim every day.
• Physical requirements of the Waterfront Director position include endurance during prolonged activities, bending, stooping and lifting (boating equipment). Must be willing to operate under daily exposure to hot temperatures. Requires sufficient strength and mobility in order to safely supervise children’s activities.