Aquatics Coordinator

Description

Aquatics Coordinator | Southdale YMCA | $18.00/hr. | Full-Time

At a Glance:

Join the YMCA aquatics team in a leadership role that combines hands-on work in the pool with program coordination and team support. You'll help create a safe, welcoming, and engaging experience for members while supporting swim instruction, pool operations, and staff development. This is a great opportunity for experienced lifeguards or swim instructors looking to grow their leadership skills.

Schedule:

• Full-Time

Pay:

The salary for this position is $18.00 hourly. We take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.

1. Job Summary:

The Aquatics Coordinator oversees key program areas within Aquatics, balancing approximately 80% hands-on time in the pool supporting instruction, engaging with participants, and fostering a safe, fun, and welcoming environment with 20% dedicated administrative time. Administrative responsibilities include scheduling, program coordination, team member support, communication, and issue resolution, along with operational tasks that ensure consistent, high-quality program delivery. This role provides exceptional customer service while enhancing both the participant experience and overall program effectiveness.


2. Essential Functions:

• Assist Aquatics leadership in planning, coordinating, and promoting aquatics programs and activities to drive participation and engagement.


• Deliver high-quality customer service to members, participants, and volunteers, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.


• Provide hands-on support across aquatics operations, including lifeguarding, swim instruction, and active deck management as scheduled.


• Support the design and implementation of in-service training to strengthen team member skills, safety standards, and program quality.


• Serve as shift lead in the absence of the Aquatics Director or Supervisor, overseeing pool operations, team members, and all scheduled activities while managing escalations related to team member, facility needs, and participant or parent concerns.


• Balance approximately 80% hands-on program time supporting instruction, safety, and participant engagement with 20% administrative responsibilities, including scheduling, roster management, and coordination tasks that ensure smooth and effective program delivery.

3. Relationships:

This position reports to the Aquatics Director or Supervisor who reports to the Executive Director. Interact regularly with members, team members, volunteers, and participants. This role regularly engages with children, youths, teens, adults, and seniors.


4. Qualifications:

Required:

• Minimum age of 18 years.


• Six (6) months of experience in aquatics as a lifeguard and/or swim instructor.


• CPR/PR, AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration certifications, along with ARC or YMCA Lifeguard certification, required within 30 days of hire, or ability to obtain within 30 days.


• YMCA Swim Instructor certification required within 60 days of hire.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations across ages, including team members, members, volunteers, and community stakeholders.


• Demonstrated ability to instruct, evaluate performance, and serve as a positive role model.


• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound, independent decisions.


• Self-directed with strong attention to detail.


• Effective organization, communication, and leadership skills.


• Commitment to member safety and alignment with the mission and values of the YMCA.


Preferred:

• One (1) year of experience in aquatics as a lifeguard and/or swim instructor.


• Bi/multilingual


5. Work Conditions:

• Ability to pass lifeguard water test.

• Must be able to remain alert with no lapses of consciousness in a warm environment with air temperatures of 80 degrees or higher.

• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.

• Ability to perceive, identify and respond to signs of distress.


• Ability to recognize and react calmly and effectively in hazardous/dangerous situations.

• Observe all areas of the pool with clear vision.

• Perform all needed rescues and survival skills.

• Be able to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue, including swimming quickly, supporting adult body weight while swimming as far as 50 feet, and removing adult body weight from the pool.

• Communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.

• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time.


6. Additional Notes:


This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from branch representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the branch or Association's success.