Aquatics Director
YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus, GA, Columbus, GA, United States
The YMCA, established in London, England, in 1844, was founded to promote a healthy mind, body, and spirit for all. As one of the oldest associations in North America, the YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus, GA, was founded in 1856, making it the third-oldest YMCA in the United States. Dedicated to community and personal development, the YMCA fosters growth and wellness for individuals of all ages. With its long-standing history, the YMCA remains a cornerstone of community enrichment and support.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role for an Aquatics Director located in Columbus, GA. The Aquatics Director will oversee and coordinate the daily operations of the aquatics programs, ensuring a safe environment for all participants. Responsibilities include managing swim lessons, overseeing lifeguards and aquatic staff, and maintaining a high standard of safety and quality in all water activities. The role involves developing and promoting aquatics programs, managing schedules, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations and YMCA standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & PRINCIPLES:
1. Ensures programs and services meet community needs, including supervising existing program activities, establishing new program activities, and expanding the program within the community as needed. Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information. Promotes Safety Around Water initiatives through outreach programs.
2. Monitors daily pool operations to adhere to all state, local, and YMCA Health and Safety Regulations and conducts and ensures proper maintenance of pools. Maintains accurate records of pool chemical levels and facility maintenance. Responsible for the inventory of pool chemicals, supplies, and reagents. Checks the pools and pool areas for hazardous conditions and coordinates cleaning and equipment maintenance schedules. Oversees equipment repairs as needed.
3. Facilitate monthly in-service meetings that include skill review. Supervise staff and ensure appropriate staffing of pools. Coordinate breaks and rotate staff. Ensure program quality and monitor staff performance and member service.
4. Ensures records of staff certifications are current and complete, providing copies to Human Resources. Maintains current certifications. Able to lead certification courses for CPR, Lifeguards, and Swim Lessons.
5. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, and directs personnel and volunteers. Reviews and evaluates staff performance.
6. Works with Head Swim Team Coach and Lead Swim Instructor to oversee those programs.
7. Serves as a member of the YMCA Leadership Team and supports the overall objectives of the YMCA.
8. Exhibits a style of work that includes a positive attitude, cooperation, patience, flexibility, self-motivation, and professionalism.
9. Follows all policies and procedures as established by the YMCA for staff, managers, and leadership. Enforces all policies and procedures established by the YMCA for all employees.
10. Supports the mission and strategic plan of the YMCA through projects and other responsibilities as assigned.
11. Follows best practices and training related to risk and safety management.
12. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within areas of responsibility.
13. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Builds, cultivates, and maintains effective, positive relationships with members, program participants, and staff. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships within community organizations.
14. Models behavior consistent with our core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Exhibits a style of work that includes a positive attitude, cooperation, patience, flexibility, self-motivation, and professionalism.
15. Attends and participates in all employee meetings as required. Completes all trainings as required.
16. All other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Lifeguard and Swim Lesson Instructor Certification
- Current CPO (Certified Pool Operator) or ability to obtain within 90 days from hire date
- CPR for the Professional, AED First Aid, and Oxygen Certified or able to obtain within 30 days of hire
- Well-versed in Aquatics management, including program development and effective supervision
- Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to train, mentor, and manage staff
- Organized, detail-oriented, and able to oversee program schedules and safety compliance
- Prior experience in aquatics programming, especially within a community or recreational setting, is an advantage
- Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Physical Education, or a related field is preferred