Aquatics Director

Job Summary

Aquatics Director is responsible for the total operation of the Aquatics Department. Specifically, to ensure the park operates in a safe, efficient manner; the appearance of the facility is fresh and clean; that all team members are well-trained and conduct themselves courteously; and the budgetary goals of the department are met or exceeded.

Essential Functions

• Work closely with the General Manager to develop, implement, and continuously improve aquatics operating procedures, safety programs, and departmental goals.
• Direct the safe and efficient operation of all aquatic attractions, including lifeguard operations, slide dispatch, first aid response, and aquatic guest safety.
• Develop, maintain, communicate, and consistently enforce departmental policies, standard operating procedures, and safety requirements.
• Provide direct leadership and supervision to Aquatics Managers, Supervisors, and Lead Lifeguards and maintain clear accountability throughout the department.
• Recruit, interview, select, train, develop, evaluate, and retain qualified aquatic leadership and frontline team members in partnership with Human Resources.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained throughout all aquatic locations based on attendance, operating conditions, attraction requirements, and established minimum staffing standards.
• Oversee departmental scheduling, rotations, attendance, labor utilization, and payroll-related processes while balancing safety, operational needs, and budget expectations.
• Ensure all aquatic team members complete required certifications, position training, skills demonstrations, and documented sign-offs before assignment.
• Oversee lifeguard certification courses, slide-dispatch training, leadership training, and other departmental training programs as required.
• Plan and conduct monthly lifeguard in-service training during operational months, ensuring required training hours, attendance, skills performance, and documentation are completed.
• Maintain compliance with StarGuard ELITE requirements, company standards, applicable regulations, manufacturer requirements, and established aquatic safety practices.
• Conduct frequent site inspections and operational audits to ensure all aquatic locations meet company standards for safety, courtesy, cleanliness, and efficiency.
• Conduct and oversee observational audits of lifeguards and slide attendants, provide prompt coaching, and ensure corrective action is documented and completed when necessary.
• Monitor attraction readiness, opening and closing procedures, safety equipment, communication systems, and emergency-response supplies.
• Ensure unsafe conditions are addressed immediately, including restricting access to or removing an attraction or piece of equipment from service when necessary.
• Communicate repair and maintenance needs promptly to the appropriate department and General Manager and follow through to support safe operations, minimal downtime, and a positive park appearance.
• Develop, maintain, and regularly review emergency action plans and ensure aquatic leadership and team members are prepared to respond appropriately.
• Provide leadership during emergencies and unusual situations, including severe weather, missing or separated children, major incidents, evacuations, and other events affecting park operations.
• Ensure first aid reports, rescue documentation, incident reports, training records, audit results, and other required records are accurate, complete, properly maintained, and submitted on time.
• Review aquatic incidents, rescues, guest concerns, audit results, and operational trends to identify risks and implement appropriate corrective or preventive measures.
• Keep the General Manager and Human Resources informed of significant employee-relations concerns, performance issues, investigations, and disciplinary matters.
• Lead aquatic team members in a positive, professional, and motivating manner while establishing clear expectations and holding leaders and staff accountable.
• Maintain consistent communication with Aquatics Managers, Supervisors, Leads, department heads, team members, and guests.
• Participate in department-head meetings and collaborate with other departments to support safe and efficient park operations.
• Serve as a park Duty Manager at least once per week or as operationally required.
• Follow and enforce all company policies and procedures, protect company assets, and maintain professional appearance and conduct.
• Assist other departments and perform additional duties as operationally necessary.

Education and/or Experience

High School Diploma required; College Diploma preferred.
Management experience required.
Minimum of 3+ years of industry (aquatic attraction) experience required.