Aquatics Operations & Safety Manager

The Aquatics Operations & Safety Manager is responsible for the safety, staffing, compliance, and operational readiness of Club Fit’s aquatic environment. This position leads lifeguard operations and ensures appropriate staffing, qualified personnel, emergency preparedness, and consistent execution of aquatic safety standards. The Manager works closely with Aquatics leadership and other Club departments to maintain a safe and operationally prepared aquatic environment. While Facilities and other departments maintain responsibility for areas such as pool mechanics, water chemistry, maintenance, and cleaning, this position is responsible for identifying concerns that affect aquatic operations or safety and ensuring they are appropriately communicated and addressed.

Primary Responsibilities

Lifeguard Operations & Staffing

• Recruit, interview, onboard, and develop qualified lifeguards.

• Determine staffing needs based on pool usage, operating hours, programming, and safety requirements.

• Create and maintain lifeguard schedules and ensure appropriate coverage.

• Manage callouts, substitutions, coverage gaps, and changing operational needs.

• Establish expectations for lifeguard performance, professionalism, safety, and member interaction.

• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and performance management.

• Identify and develop high-performing lifeguards for increased responsibility and future leadership opportunities.

Aquatic Safety & Emergency Readiness

• Lead the execution of Club Fit’s Aquatics Safety Plan and established safety procedures.

• Ensure lifeguards consistently follow required surveillance, positioning, rotation, and emergency-response procedures.

• Conduct routine safety audits and emergency action drills.

• Ensure staff understand emergency procedures, communication protocols, and escalation expectations.

• Review incidents, near misses, and safety concerns and implement or recommend appropriate corrective action.

• Ensure required safety and emergency equipment and signage are properly maintained and accessible.

• Promote a culture of safety, preparedness, and accountability throughout the Aquatics department.

Certification, Training & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records of lifeguard certifications, credentials, and required training.

• Monitor expiration dates and coordinate training and recertification before credentials lapse.

• Maintain an annual training, certification, and compliance calendar.

• Coordinate required Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, First Aid, emergency-response, and other applicable training.

• Partner with Lifeguard Instructors and Instructor Trainers to support certification courses and staff development.

• Coordinate applicable Aquatics permits, licenses, inspections, and regulatory requirements.

• Use certification and training programs to support recruitment and develop a pipeline of future Club Fit lifeguards.

Aquatic Center Operational Readiness

• Regularly assess pools and surrounding areas for safety and operational readiness.

• Monitor pool and deck conditions, safety equipment, lifeguard stations, water conditions, temperature, and aquatic equipment.

• Partner with Facilities, Housekeeping, and other responsible departments when maintenance, cleanliness, water chemistry, equipment, or facility concerns arise.

• Communicate and follow up on conditions that may affect safe pool operation or member use.

• Escalate conditions that may require restricted pool use or closure in accordance with established procedures.

Pool Operations & Department Coordination

• Coordinate pool operating hours, closures, restricted-use periods, and operational changes.

• Ensure lifeguard coverage aligns with pool availability and programming.

• Communicate changes affecting pool access or operations to appropriate Club departments.

• Partner with Aquatics programming leadership to balance program needs, pool availability, and required safety coverage.

• Participate in planning for camps, special events, and other activities affecting aquatic operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification required.

• Current CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid certifications required.

• American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor (LGI) certification preferred but not required.

• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification preferred but not required.

• Previous lifeguarding and aquatic operations experience required.

• Previous experience scheduling, leading, training, or supervising lifeguard staff strongly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of aquatic safety practices, emergency procedures, and lifeguard operations.

• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to identify safety and operational concerns, take appropriate action, and collaborate effectively across departments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout pool and deck areas.

• Ability to swim and perform the physical skills and rescue techniques required of a certified lifeguard.

• Ability to enter and exit pools and respond quickly to aquatic emergencies.

• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, crouch, climb, and move throughout wet and potentially slippery environments.

• Ability to lift and move aquatic and safety equipment as required.

• Ability to visually monitor aquatic environments and communicate effectively in an active setting.

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in an indoor aquatic environment with exposure to water, humidity, elevated temperatures, pool chemicals, wet surfaces, and periods of elevated noise.

• The position requires significant time on the pool deck and regular interaction with lifeguards, members, participants, and Club staff.

• Work hours may vary based on operational and staffing needs and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak programming periods.

• The position may require responding to staffing, facility, or safety issues affecting aquatic operations.

• All work must be performed in accordance with Club Fit safety standards, Aquatics procedures, certification requirements, and applicable regulations.