Salary: Minimum $44,000 - Maximum $50,000

Type: Full-Time – Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours Per Week (Flexible Schedule)

Organization Overview

At the YMCA of the Lowcountry, we are more than an organization — we are a cause. Together, we strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our staff are at the heart of this mission, creating safe, welcoming environments where children grow, families thrive, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Department Overview

The Aquatics Department plays a critical role in advancing the Y’s commitment to safety, skill development, and healthy living. The Aquatics Director provides leadership and operational oversight of all aquatic programs, staff, and facilities, ensuring compliance with safety, certification, and regulatory standards.

Benefits You’ll Receive

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with an employee premium share of $49.19 per pay period.
• $10,000 Life Insurance benefit paid in full by the YMCA.
• 12% employer-funded retirement contribution (eligible after 2 years of service).
• Complimentary nationwide YMCA membership for you and your household.
• 50% discount on YMCA programs, including childcare, aquatics, youth sports, and swim lessons.
• Flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance.

What You’ll Do:

Program & Operations Leadership

• Oversee daily pool operations, ensuring compliance with all state, local, and YMCA health and safety regulations.
• Ensure aquatic facilities are safe, well-maintained, and operate at the highest standard of excellence.
• Oversee water quality testing, chemical balancing, and daily pool log documentation in accordance with DHEC standards.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate aquatics programs that meet community needs and support YMCA mission outcomes.

Training & Certification

• Oversee all lifeguard certification, swim instruction, and safety training programs, including First Aid, CPR, and AED, through the American Red Cross, National YMCA, and Praesidium Accreditation standards.
• Deliver swim instruction across age groups and skill levels, emphasizing water safety, stroke development, and confidence building.
• Manage the Lifeguard Certification Program, including class scheduling, instructor coordination, practices, and certifications.
• Maintain a safe learning environment through vigilant supervision and adherence to lifeguarding protocols.
• Ensure all staff certifications and credentials are current, accurately documented, and fully compliant.
• Ensure full departmental compliance with Praesidium standards, including background screenings, training completion, documentation, and corrective action as needed.
• Maintain compliance with YMCA policies, Praesidium risk management standards, and certification requirements.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and engage aquatics staff and volunteers aligned with the YMCA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development to ensure high-quality instruction and supervision.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused team culture.

Budget & Administration

• Develop and manage the aquatics program budget to meet fiscal objectives.
• Track and analyze participation data, program outcomes, and operational metrics to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Secure and schedule pool facilities and resources to support programs and events.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related aquatics leadership experience preferred (e.g., Aquatics Coordinator, Supervisor, or similar role).
• Strong knowledge of aquatic safety, lifeguarding, swim instruction, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and relate effectively to diverse groups from all social and economic backgrounds.

The YMCA of the Lowcountry is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources.