Aquatics Lifeguard & Safety Coordinator

Job Title: Aquatics Lifeguard & Safety Coordinator Status: Exempt

Department: Aquatics Reports to: Sr. Dir. of Aquatics & Community Dev.

Revision Date: September 1, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the Sr. Director of Aquatics & Community Development and within the policies established by the Wallingford Family YMCA, the Aquatics Coordinator is responsible for planning and delivering of aquatics in-service trainings, conducting lifeguard staff evaluations, and weekly scheduling for lifeguard staff. The Coordinator will supervise, schedule, evaluate staff and programs to ensure the highest quality and safety for all members and program participants. Weekend and daytime hours required in coordination with the Senior Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Uphold and exemplify high standards of customer service by being professional, courteous, alert and diplomatic.

2. Assist in recruitment, training, development, and evaluation of aquatics staff.

3. Provide training and guidance to new lifeguard staff.

4. Assist with leadership at all lifeguard/swim instructor in-service trainings and meetings, including evaluations of lifeguards (within the first 90 days and throughout the year).

5. Coordinate and schedule lifeguard shifts in conjunction with facility and rental needs.

6. Coordinate substitute procedures for staff; record all changes and maintain up-to-date staff schedule. Be accountable for coverage of all assigned lifeguard shifts.

7. Ensure records of staff certification are current and complete.

8. Provide direct service as a lifeguard and/or swim instructor as needed; guard and/or teach in the absence of a scheduled lifeguard or swim instructor as necessary. Required to guard 10-20 hrs per week.

9. Guard all swimmers; eliminate unsafe practices and physical hazards. Maintain general pool rules. Administer proper first aid and carry out emergency procedures in the event of an accident.

10. Supervise aquatic staff in the absence of the Aquatics Sr. Director.

11. Inspect and ensure high standards of maintenance, cleanliness, and repair of aquatic equipment and supplies, including first aid and emergency supplies.

12. Test and manage pools in accordance with Wallingford Family YMCA policies and guidelines, including, but not limited to, chemical levels and emergency situations.

13. Participate as a part of the Aquatics staff team in providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all members and guests.

14. Assist with the creation of new programs and new collaborations including helping to create new approaches to serve the needs of program participants. Assist in the marketing and distribution of program information.

15. Answer questions and explain aquatics programs to the public, including answering emails, voicemails, and in-person inquiries.

16. Keep informed of all changes in the schedule and upcoming events.

17. Gather information and prepare reports as directed.

18. Participate on at least one committee within the YMCA or community.

19. Oversight of Wallingford YMCA Risk & Safety Committee

20. Create and run at minimum one Aquatic Safety & Awareness event per year.

21. Participate in and/or volunteer for at least one Community Support Campaign event per year.

22. All other duties as assigned by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A minimum of 2 years of experience working in the Aquatics field. Experience managing multiple pools is preferred.

2. Current American Red Cross or YMCA lifeguarding certification and CPR/AED/First Aid certifications required.

3. American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification within 6 months of hire.

4. Certified Pool Operator certification, Lifeguard Management certification, and YSL Swim Instructor V6 certification or Water Safety Instructor (WSI) preferred.

5. Additional training must be completed as required by the Wallingford Family YMCA, State of Connecticut and/or Federal Government.

6. Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation or a related field required.

7. Good communication skills; leadership and team-building skills are imperative.

8. Must be 21 years or older.

9. Must exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of work with the YMCA.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

• Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time.

• Must be able to work for extended periods of time in an aquatics environment.

Safety is the responsibility of every employee of the YMCA. Each employee is charged with adhering to the YMCA’s Safety and Risk Management Program as directed by the management.

YMCA SAFETY, RISK AND ABUSE MANAGEMENTS:

EMPLOYEES WHO DIRECTLY SUPERVISE YOUTH WILL:

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with youth.

• Attend required abuse risk management training.

• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising youth.

• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.

• Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS WILL:

• Follow employees and volunteers screening requirements and use screening instruments to screen for abuse risk.

• Provide employees and volunteers with on-going supervision and training related to abuse risk management

• Ensure there is a positive culture for responding and reporting for employees and volunteers

• Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback regarding their boundaries with youth.

• Require employees and volunteers to adhere to policies and procedures related to abuse risk and prevention.

• Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations using the YMCA’s progressive discipline policy.

• Respond seriously and confidentially to reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors.

• Follow mandated reporting requirements.

• Communicate to all employees and volunteers the YMCA’s commitment to zero tolerance of abuse to youth. Report essential abuse risk management information to the board of directors.

SIGNATURE:

I have reviewed and understand this job description.

__________________________________ _________________________________

Employee’s name Employee’s signature

Today’s date________________________

The Wallingford Family YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All new hires go through a 90 day introductory period, during which time an employee can be terminated if they are not adapting to the department policies. The introductory period begins with the employee’s department orientation.

Rev: 8/26/2026

1. A minimum of 2 years of experience working in the Aquatics field. Experience managing multiple pools is preferred.

2. Current American Red Cross or YMCA lifeguarding certification and CPR/AED/First Aid certifications required.

3. American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Certification within 6 months of hire.

4. Certified Pool Operator certification, Lifeguard Management certification, and YSL Swim Instructor V6 certification or Water Safety Instructor (WSI) preferred.

5. Additional training must be completed as required by the Wallingford Family YMCA, State of Connecticut and/or Federal Government.

6. Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation or a related field required.

7. Good communication skills; leadership and team-building skills are imperative.

8. Must be 21 years or older.

9. Must exhibit the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of work with the YMCA.