Aquatics Program Coordinator

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities  

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation’s most pressing social issues. 

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. We embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals. 

Position Summary 

Under the supervision of the Aquatics Director, the Aquatics Coordinator is responsible for ensuring safety, delivering high-quality programming, supporting member retention, and enhancing customer satisfaction.  

Key responsibilities include supervising and mentoring lifeguards and swim lesson instructors, coordinating pool and swim lesson schedules, providing staff training, and maintaining safe operations in alignment with established policies and standards. 

The Aquatics Coordinator oversees the overall safety of the aquatic environment, including leading the annual Safety Around Water Week. Additional duties include conducting in-service training sessions for swim instructors and lifeguards and serving as the on-deck lead for swim lessons on Saturday mornings. This role requires flexibility to teach swimming lessons and perform lifeguard duties as needed. The Aquatics Coordinator must be available for regular, scheduled shifts and present during group lesson programming. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Staff Hiring and Management 
  • Hiring, training, scheduling, and managing swim instructors, lead instructors, lifeguards, lead lifeguards, and swim coaches 
  • Conducting interviews and onboarding new hires with the Aquatics Director 
  • Tracking and overseeing staff certifications, arranging additional training when needed 
  • Managing staff schedules to ensure seamless programming and minimal cancellations 
  • Proactively resolving scheduling conflicts and providing direct coverage as necessary 
• Staff Performance and Development 
  • Providing regular feedback and coaching to staff, addressing areas for improvement 
  • Reviewing staff performance and implementing strategies to motivate and guide teams 
  • Conducting in-service training sessions and providing in-water demonstrations 
  • Leading annual training courses, including Lifeguard and Swim Instructor courses 
  • Educating staff on Aquatics Safety Policies and Procedures 
• Program Management and Scheduling 
  • Overseeing private lesson operations, including scheduling, payment management, and handling cancellations or transfers 
  • Planning and adjusting group swim lesson schedules, transferring participants between classes, and creating program entries 
  • Ensuring smooth facility operations and program continuity, even in the absence of directors 
• Customer Service and Member Engagement 
  • Managing communication with families and participants to ensure satisfaction 
  • Delivering excellent customer service by addressing concerns and providing feedback to supervisors 
  • Promoting aquatics programs to encourage participation and growth 
  • Fostering relationships with members to create a welcoming and engaging environment 
• Safety and Quality Assurance 
  • Following up on pool incidents and making adjustments to ensure safety and quality 
  • Collaborating with leadership to maintain high safety standards, conduct audits, and achieve financial goals 
  • Enforcing Aquatics Safety Policies and Procedures in collaboration with safety and program directors 
• Event Planning and Community Outreach 
• Helping organize special events, such as Safety Around Water week and summer splash camps 
• Supporting volunteer recruitment for the branch’s Annual Giving Campaign 
• Promoting community involvement and ensuring successful event execution 
• Leadership and Operational Oversight 
  • Ensuring smooth facility operations, including handling situations when Aquatics Directors are unavailable 
  • Coordinating with the Aquatics Director for coverage of lifeguard or swim instructor roles as needed 
  • Mastering YMCA SF member communications, resources, and virtual support tools to enhance member retention 
• Operational Flexibility and Coverage 
  • Providing coverage for lifeguarding or swim instructing as needed 
  • Ensuring availability during mornings, evenings, and weekends based on program or facility needs. 

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ year of experience as a swim instructor and/or lifeguard.
• 1+ year of experience supervising and leading teams.
• Availability to work mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
• Basic proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Google Drive.
• Current certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, American Red Cross Lifeguard, American Red Cross Lifeguard Trainer, YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor, and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience supervising and leading teams.
• Strong background in aquatics and leadership.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other languages.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The Aquatics Coordinator works primarily indoors within the pool area, with occasional outdoor responsibilities depending on program needs. The role involves spending considerable time near or in the water and may require exposure to varying temperatures and humidity levels associated with aquatic environments.  The coordinator is expected to manage administrative tasks such as scheduling shifts, maintaining accurate program records, and coordinating staffing needs, all while maintaining excellent customer service in a fast-paced setting. Flexibility is required, as the schedule may include evenings, weekends, and occasional outdoor activities.

The physical demands of this role include standing, walking, and moving around the pool area and office for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs., assisting with setting up or moving equipment, and demonstrating swimming techniques. The coordinator must possess quick reflexes and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies in and around the water. Additionally, the coordinator must maintain focus in a fast-paced environment while providing excellent customer service.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Aquatics Coordinator position offers a compensation range of $28.00 – $33.00 per hour. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position.