Aquatics Director/Swim Coach

Under the direction of the CEO/Executive Director, the Aquatics Director/Swim Coach is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and supervision of all aquatic facilities, programs, and staff at the YMCA of Waycross. This position ensures the highest standards of program quality, safety, staff development, and community impact through innovative and inclusive programs.

The Aquatics Director manages all aquatic programs such as AquaFit, Learn to Swim Program, and swim lessons.  

This position serves as the Head Coach of the Okefenokee Aquatics Club Swim Team and is responsible for managing daily practices, hosting swim meets, and other responsibilities associated with operating a high-quality swim team.   

Another key focus of this role is building and maintaining strong partnerships with Ware County Board of Education (WCBOE) swim team personnel, coaches, and administrators. The Aquatics Director collaborates with the WCBOE to coordinate facility scheduling, develop competitive training opportunities, host meets and events, and support athlete development. Through effective communication, resource planning, and program alignment, the Aquatics Director ensures that YMCA and CCSD aquatic programs thrive in a shared, high-performance environment.

1.  Either a 4-year college degree in related field or equivalent work experience.

2.  Current certifications in CPR, First Aid, & Lifeguarding are required. Ability to acquire LGI certifications.  CPO            certification can be discussed as a part of professional development.

3.  Well-developed hiring, training, and supervisory skills.

4.  Strong skills in the areas of communication, motivation, creative problem solving, and human relations.

5.  Proficient in the use of computers and willingness to further develop computer skills.

6.  Enjoy working and interacting with people of all types and ages, modeling and utilizing the important core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

7.  Ability to exercise discretion and to take initiative, including both independent and discretionary judgment.

8.  Ability to appropriately manage confidential information, conflict, and confrontation.

9.  Willingness to work flexible hours.

• Plan, implement, and evaluate aquatics programs that serve a wide range of ages and abilities, including swim lessons, lifeguard training, and water fitness classes.
• Regularly assess program effectiveness and make data-informed improvements to support member engagement and retention.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants and staff.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the aquatics department, including supervision of swim instructors, lifeguards, and all front-line aquatics staff.
• Hire, train, schedule, and manage a team of aquatics employees to ensure high program quality, safety, and service.
• Conduct regular staff check-ins, team meetings, and training sessions; provide ongoing feedback and formal performance evaluations.
• Ensure team members maintain current certifications and uphold all safety and compliance standards.
• Develop and maintain staffing plans to meet programming needs and ensure full coverage for all aquatics facilities and services.
• Ensure strict adherence to local, state, and YMCA safety standards and policies.
• Conduct and oversee safety drills, facility inspections, and incident response procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for certifications, incident reports, and facility operations.
• Manage payroll and approve timecards in accordance with association standards.
• Respond to member inquiries, feedback, and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Promote aquatics programs through internal channels and social media platforms in partnership with the marketing team. Collaborate with other departments to support cross-functional initiatives and center-wide programming.
• Develop and manage the aquatics department budget, including tracking revenue, controlling expenses, and forecasting future needs.
• Monitor program enrollment and adjust scheduling and staffing as needed to meet participation goals.
• Support center fundraising efforts by participating in special events and community engagement activities.
• Perform additional tasks as needed to support the overall operations and goals of the aquatics department and the YMCA.

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s values. Ensure a high level of service with a commitment to improving lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fundraising.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Build relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develop plans and manage best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change, models adaptability, and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

CPR and Lifeguard Certification is required.

Lifeguard Trainer and Certified Pool Operator (CPO) will be required to obtain within first 90 days of employment.