Aquatics Program Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Aquatic Programs is responsible for the development, launch, and oversight of the YMCA of Madison County's new aquatic programming, operating within a therapeutic pool environment in partnership with Community Hospital. This role is a foundational leadership position , charged with building aquatic programming from the ground up—establishing policies, procedures, staffing structures, schedules, and safety systems that meet Indiana State requirements and YMCA Aquatic Standards. This position provides a unique opportunity to shape a mission-driven aquatic program focused on health, wellness, rehabilitation, and community impact , while ensuring the highest levels of safety, professionalism, and participant experience.

FACILITY OVERVIEW

 Therapeutic pool approximately 30' x 40'  Water temperature approximately 92°F  Depth approximately 52 inches  Located within a hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation setting  Serves adults, older adults, special populations, and future YMCA aquatic participants

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development & Leadership:

 Design, implement, and continuously improve YMCA aquatic programs appropriate for a warm-water therapeutic pool environment.  Develop aquatic policies, procedures, and emergency action plans in alignment with YMCA, Indiana State, and host-facility requirements.  Establish class offerings, schedules, enrollment capacity, and operational workflows.  Serve as the primary aquatic leadership presence for the YMCA at the Community Hospital site.

Staffing & Scheduling:

 Recruit, schedule, train, and supervise aquatic staff including instructors and lifeguards.  Ensure appropriate staffing coverage for all programs and operating hours.  Coordinate staff certifications, in-services, and ongoing training requirements.  Foster a professional, mission-aligned aquatic staff culture.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management:

 Ensure full compliance with YMCA Aquatic Safety Standards , state licensure requirements, and hospital facility protocols.  Maintain all required safety documentation, certifications, incident reports, and training records.  Lead emergency preparedness, drills, and response protocols.  Conduct regular facility safety checks in coordination with hospital partners.

Program Operations & Member Experience:

 Coordinate YMCA participant scheduling, registration processes, and class management.  Support strong communication with members, patients, participants, and YMCA leadership.  Monitor program quality, attendance, and participant satisfaction.  Promote YMCA values through consistent, welcoming, and professional service delivery.

Partnership & Collaboration:

 Work collaboratively with Community Hospital leadership and therapy staff to ensure aligned operations.  Represent the YMCA of Madison County professionally within a healthcare partnership setting.  Support future growth and expansion opportunities for aquatic programming.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

 Ability to work in a warm, humid pool environment.  Ability to remain alert and engaged for extended periods.  Ability to respond quickly to emergencies.  Ability to lift, move, and set up aquatic equipment as needed.

Why This Role Matters:

The Manager of Aquatic Programs will help establish a flagship partnership, define standards that will guide future YMCA aquatic growth, and directly impact health, mobility, and quality of life for participants across Madison County. For the right leader, this role offers ownership, influence, and the chance to leave a lasting imprint on a new YMCA initiative.

QUALIFICATIONS

 Must meet all YMCA and Indiana State aquatic certification requirements applicable to program leadership.

Current or ability to obtain:

o YMCA Lifeguard or equivalent lifeguard training certification o Basic life support or professional rescuer CPR/AED certification—renewed annually. o First aid certification o Emergency oxygen administration certification o Pool operator certification (Pool and Hot Tub Alliance Certified Pool and Spa Operator [CPO or equivalent) o YMCA Lifeguard Supervisor certification or equivalent Lifeguard Supervisor Training o YMCA Lifeguard Instructor or equivalent o Instructor in a nationally recognized basic life support or professional rescuer o CPR/AED program o Instructor in a nationally recognized first aid program o YMCA Lifeguard Trainer or equivalent (recommended) o Trainer certification in a nationally recognized basic life support or professional rescuer o CPR/AED program (recommended) o Trainer certification in a nationally recognized first aid program (recommended)  Strong swimming ability and demonstrated aquatic safety competency.  Prior experience in aquatic programming, instruction, or supervision preferred.  Demonstrated ability to organize schedules, manage staff, and oversee programs.  Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.  Comfortable working in a therapeutic, healthcare-adjacent environment.