Lead Aquatics Staff - Full Time

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas; Smithfield (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a respected human services organization dedicated to positively impacting lives. As the Lead Aquatics Staff, you will ensure the safety and well-being of participants while fostering a welcoming environment. This role emphasizes Aquatics Excellence, where you will lead lifeguards, enforce safety procedures, and maintain effective relationships with members and staff. With a commitment to community values, you'll play a vital role in promoting healthy living and youth development. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community while enjoying excellent benefits and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

12% Retirement Contribution

65% Employee Paid Health/Dental Insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

$25,000 Life/AD&D Policy

Vacation and Sick Leave

YMCA Family Membership

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old with 2 years of lifeguard/swim instructor experience.
• Strong communication and organizational skills required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health and safety of program participants and enforce pool rules.
• Lead and guide lifeguards during shifts and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Human Relation Skills

Emergency Response

Lifeguarding

CPR/First Aid/AED

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Lifeguard Certification

CPR Certification

CPO Certification

Job description

Imagine being part of one of the most respected human services organizations in the world—a place where your work positively influences the lives of others, a place where you thrive in a values-based environment, a place where you are building a better future for yourself and your community.

General Function:

Under the supervision of the designated supervisor, and in harmony with the mission and purpose of the established policies and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, the Lead Aquatics Staff is responsible for the health and safety of program participants with an emphasis on ensuring Aquatics Excellence. The Lead Aquatics Staff will work with all staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage all members, guests, and staff.

Qualifications:

1. Minimum of 18 years of age.
2. Must have two years’ experience as a certified lifeguard or swim instructor. Experience in both preferred.
3. Strong organizational skills, communication skills (written and verbal), and human relation skills.
4. American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or YMCA Lifeguard Certification Required. (YMCA Preferred)
5. YMCA Swim Instructor Certification preferred but required within 3 months of hire.
6. Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2.
7. CPO (Certified Pool Operator) within 6 months of hire.
8. Complete and maintain required trainings to include but not limited to: New Employee Orientation (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment upon hire and annually thereafter.
9. Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and Child Protective Services check.

Essential Functions:

1. Support the mission, vision, and goals of the YMCA.
2. Promote a professional work environment through character development by modeling the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
3. Lead in a manner that advances our cause to strengthen the foundations of community through programs that focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
4. Provide guidance to lifeguards during assigned shifts and enforce staff policies and procedures.
5. Know/review all emergency procedures and respond to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the “safe-in-six” model. Complete related reports as required.
6. Maintain effective, positive relationships with the members, participants, and other staff.
7. Know, understand, and consistently apply safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area. Maintain accurate records as required by the YMCA and/or the state Health Department code.
8. Assist with training new staff.
9. Lead Aquatics Staff will be visible on the pool deck at all times and will remain rescue ready and/or ready to teach.
10. Be familiar with the entire aquatic environment and on each shift make sure all emergency equipment is available and ready for use. Ensure that the aquatic environment is free of obstructions and safe for participant use.
11. Understand swim level skills, developmental levels, teaching styles, and organizational patterns.
12. Be available to answer questions and communicate participants' progress.
13. Perform chemical checks when not guarding, as required, and take appropriate action.
14. Staff must be at least 18 years of age to enter the pump room and must be adequately trained to perform chemical-related duties and pump room maintenance.
15. Enforce all pool rules with all patrons in a fair, polite, and consistent manner.
16. Responsible for maintaining all relative certifications.
17. Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising efforts to include Annual Support and United Way Campaigns.
18. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.
19. Act as a leader in emergency situations. Report any accidents or incidents according to Emergency Communication Action Plan.
20. Ensure all members, guests, and program participants are in a safe environment and actively follow center Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).
21. Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled and take lead when necessary or directed by supervisor.
22. Follow department Association standards.
23. Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by the Aquatics Department and center operations to ensure an excellent member experience.

YMCA Competencies (Team Leader):

Engaging Community, Communication & Influence, Inclusion, Collaboration, Emotional Maturity, Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Developing Self & Others, Philanthropy

Supervisory Responsibilities:

1. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Skills and Ability Requirements:

1. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints.
2. Ability to pass lifeguard water test and meet requirements of ongoing drills.
3. Must be able to remain alert.
4. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.
5. Ability to recognize visual and verbal distress signs/actions from potential drowning victims within 10 seconds.
6. Ability to respond to victims in water within 10 seconds.
7. Ability to respond to an emergency situation including but not limited to: water emergency, respiratory or cardiac emergency, minor/major first aid, and Code Adam/missing person.
8. Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
9. Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.
10. Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.
11. Ability to supervise staff.

Excellent benefits, including 12% retirement upon meeting the requirements of the National YMCA Retirement Fund, 65% employee paid health/dental insurance, FSA, $25,000 Life/AD&D policy, vacation and sick leave. Includes YMCA Family Membership.