Aquatic coordinator

Job Details:

Job Location: Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA - Crown Point, IN

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Job Shift: Any

Pay starting at: $17.00 per hour and up based on experience

Become Our Next Aquatics Coordinator – Help Build Safe Swimmers and Strong Teams!

Position Summary

At the YMCA, we believe strong communities are built through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As an Aquatics Coordinator, you will help create a safe, welcoming, and engaging aquatic environment for members, participants, and staff. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines direct service with team support and day-to-day aquatic operations. You will spend approximately 80% of your time providing direct service while also helping supervise shifts, support staff onboarding and development, coordinate schedules, and maintain high standards for safety and member experience.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Aquatics Coordinators:

• Create a safe, welcoming, and fun aquatic environment for members and participants.
• Lead by example while working directly alongside the aquatics team.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching, and development of team members.
• Build positive relationships with members, participants, staff, and the community.
• Help ensure aquatic programs operate safely, effectively, and consistently.
• Respond professionally and promptly to member questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Model the YMCA's mission, values, and commitment to serving all.

What You'll Be Doing

Aquatics Operations & Direct Service

Spend approximately 80% of your time in direct service, actively supporting aquatic programs and operations. Provide shift supervision and help ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Support the development and expansion of aquatic programs based on community needs. Help maintain high standards for program quality, participant satisfaction, and safety. Follow and reinforce YMCA policies, procedures, and aquatic safety standards. Respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergency situations.

Team Leadership & Development

Assist with recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, and developing aquatics team members. Provide team members with ongoing feedback, coaching, guidance, and support. Assist with performance evaluations and corrective action when necessary. Help create an environment of accountability, teamwork, inclusion, and professional growth. Model strong leadership and positive relationship-building in daily interactions.

Scheduling & Administration

Assist with staff scheduling and coverage to support program needs. Process payroll functions accurately and on time. Maintain organized records and complete required administrative responsibilities. Use Office 365 and YMCA systems to support department operations.

Member & Community Engagement

Build positive relationships with members and participants through YMCA relationship-building practices, including Listen First. Respond to member and community questions or concerns in a timely and professional manner. Support YMCA campaign efforts and help engage team members and the community in the Y's mission. Help create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported.

Aquatics-Specific Responsibilities

Maintain a current nationally recognized Lifeguard and/or Swim Instructor Certification. Obtain Certified Trainer status in Lifeguarding and/or Swim Instruction within the designated timeframe. Model and reinforce aquatic safety expectations and best practices. Maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to aquatic emergencies.

What You Should Know Before Applying

This is a hands-on leadership position, not a primarily administrative role. Aquatics Coordinators work directly in programs and alongside staff while also taking on additional leadership and operational responsibilities.

You May Enjoy This Role If You:

• Enjoy being in and around the pool and working directly with participants.
• Like coaching, mentoring, and supporting other team members.
• Are comfortable stepping into a leadership role during your shift.
• Enjoy a fast-paced environment where each day may look different.
• Are organized, dependable, and able to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Have strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Value creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
• Want to grow your leadership experience within aquatics and the YMCA.

Challenges of the Role

• Balancing direct service responsibilities with leadership and administrative duties.
• Responding to unexpected staffing, scheduling, member, or facility needs.
• Maintaining a high level of alertness and focus in a busy aquatic environment.
• Working a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Participating in an on-call rotation based on a predetermined schedule.
• Addressing staff performance or member concerns professionally and appropriately.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of related experience
• Ability to obtain Certified Trainer status in Lifeguarding and/or Swim Instruction within the designated timeframe.
• Ability to respond effectively to safety and emergency situations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also collaborating effectively with a team.
• Proficiency with Office 365 and ability to learn YMCA systems.
• Ability to effectively engage and build relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Ability to participate in a predetermined on-call schedule.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods and occasionally stoop or bend.
• Ability to work in an aquatic environment, including conditions of elevated heat during peak summer months.
• Must maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

Our Benefits Include

• Health care medical coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 12% employer retirement contribution
• Complimentary YMCA family membership
• 50% discount on most YMCA programs
• Ongoing professional development and leadership development opportunities

We encourage our staff to take full advantage of YMCA programs and facilities to support their own health, well-being, and work-life balance.

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.