Aquatics Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of water-based activities and recreation, the role of an Aquatics Director has never been more crucial.

As the world grows more health and fitness conscious, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage, innovate, and ensure the safety of our aquatic programs grows.

But what exactly does an Aquatics Director do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the world of aquatics management,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Aquatics Director job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Aquatics Director Duties and Responsibilities

An Aquatics Director oversees the operations of swimming pools and other large bodies of water at recreational facilities.

This role requires comprehensive knowledge of water safety, swimming instruction, pool maintenance, and management.

Aquatics Directors are primarily responsible for managing all aspects of aquatics facilities, with daily duties and responsibilities including:

• Develop, implement, and oversee aquatics programs and activities
• Enforce safety rules and regulations to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of all pool users
• Hire, train, and manage aquatics staff, including lifeguards and swim instructors
• Conduct regular inspections of pool equipment and facilities, and arrange for necessary repairs or maintenance
• Coordinate swim lessons, classes, and other aquatic activities
• Monitor and manage the budget for the aquatics department
• Maintain accurate records of pool usage, incident reports, and maintenance logs
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding pool operation and safety
• Communicate with the public about pool schedules, classes, and rules
• Implement emergency action plans and procedures
• Order and maintain inventory of pool chemicals and supplies

 

Aquatics Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and highly skilled Aquatics Director to oversee all aspects of our aquatic programs and facilities.

Responsibilities include planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating a wide variety of aquatics programs to ensure they are safe, effective and enjoyable for participants.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in aquatics management, lifeguard certification and possesses a high degree of leadership and organizational skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and supervise all aquatic programs and activities
• Ensure safety and cleanliness of aquatic facilities
• Train and manage staff, including lifeguards and swim instructors
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations for pool operation
• Manage budget for aquatics programs and facilities
• Organize and coordinate swim meets and other aquatic events
• Provide excellent customer service and handle complaints professionally
• Enforce aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations
• Conduct regular inspection of pool equipment and schedule maintenance or repairs as necessary

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in aquatic management or similar role
• Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification preferred
• Lifeguard training and CPR certification required
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Ability to handle emergencies calmly and efficiently
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management, Physical Education, or related field preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Aquatics Director
• Work Environment: This role requires both indoor administrative work and outdoor physical work. Some weekend, holiday and evening hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Recreation Manager or General Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Aquatics Director Do?

An Aquatics Director typically works for fitness centers, community recreation organizations, or private swim clubs.

Their primary role revolves around the management and oversight of all activities related to aquatic facilities.

They are responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive aquatics program.

This includes scheduling and overseeing swimming lessons, lifeguard duties, water aerobics classes, and swim team practices and competitions.

They also ensure the safety and cleanliness of the aquatic facilities.

This involves regular facility inspections, coordination of maintenance and repairs, and enforcement of safety policies and procedures.

In addition, Aquatics Directors are often responsible for hiring, training, and supervising staff including lifeguards, swim instructors, and coaches.

They may also oversee budgeting for the aquatics department, ensuring financial goals are met, and the department operates within its budget.

Finally, they may interact directly with members or participants, addressing any concerns or complaints and ensuring a positive experience at the aquatic facility.

 

Aquatics Director Qualifications and Skills

The role of an Aquatics Director requires a combination of practical experience, technical knowledge, and soft skills, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of aquatic facilities and programming to ensure smooth operations and high-quality services for visitors.
• Strong leadership and team management skills to oversee and coordinate the work of lifeguards, swim instructors, and other aquatics staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with staff, patrons, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of all aquatics facility users.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills to effectively manage aquatics facilities resources and expenditures.
• Experience in training and certifying staff in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguarding.
• Capability to create and implement diverse and inclusive aquatics programs to serve different age groups and skill levels.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities to handle operational challenges and emergencies in aquatics facilities.
• Physical fitness and stamina to work in an active and dynamic environment.

 

Aquatics Director Experience Requirements

Aquatics Directors generally require a substantial amount of relevant experience in the field of aquatics management.

A Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Sports Management, Recreation, Physical Education, or a similar discipline is often required.

Entry-level Aquatics Directors could have at least 2 to 3 years of experience, often acquired through roles such as Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Aquatic Coordinator, or other roles in the aquatics field.

Additional skills that are often required include first aid and CPR certifications, the ability to manage and train staff, and extensive knowledge of water safety and procedures.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have developed their leadership, operational, and strategic planning skills through roles such as Assistant Aquatics Director or Aquatics Manager.

They are usually responsible for managing a team, designing and implementing aquatics programs, maintaining facility safety standards, and overseeing budgeting and financial planning.

Those with more than 7 years of experience may have extensive leadership and management skills and may be ready for senior or executive level positions.

They may also have additional certifications, such as a Certified Pool Operator or Aquatic Facility Operator, which demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in managing aquatic facilities.

 

Aquatics Director Education and Training Requirements

To become an Aquatics Director, a bachelor’s degree in recreation, physical education, sports management or a similar field is typically required.

In-depth knowledge and experience with aquatic facility operations, swimming instruction, lifeguarding, and aquatic safety are essential for this role.

Aquatics Directors should also have certifications in lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, and AED.

These certifications are generally offered by organizations like the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

Some positions may require additional certifications such as Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), or Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO).

Most organizations also require Aquatics Directors to have a few years of experience in managing an aquatic facility or a related role.

Although not necessary, a master’s degree in recreation management or a related field, can be beneficial, showing a candidate’s advanced understanding and commitment to the field.

Ongoing training and development in safety regulations, pool operations, and staff management are also encouraged.

 

Aquatics Director Salary Expectations

An Aquatics Director can expect to earn an average salary of $51,927 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary significantly depending on factors such as the level of experience, the size and type of the facility they are managing, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Aquatics Director Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Aquatics Director need?

An Aquatics Director typically needs a bachelor’s degree in physical education, recreation management, or a related field.

They must also possess a valid lifeguard certification and have substantial experience in aquatics management.

CPR and First Aid certifications are also important.

Some roles may require additional certifications such as Certified Pool Operator or Aquatic Facility Operator.

 

What are the daily duties of an Aquatics Director?

An Aquatics Director is responsible for overseeing all aquatics programs and facilities.

Daily duties may include scheduling and supervising staff, managing budgets, coordinating swimming lessons and events, ensuring the safety of patrons, maintaining cleanliness and functionality of the pool facilities, and developing aquatics programs to engage members.

 

What qualities make a good Aquatics Director?

A good Aquatics Director has strong leadership and managerial skills, as they are in charge of managing all aquatic staff.

They should be detail-oriented to ensure safety regulations are consistently met.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are important to effectively interact with staff, patrons, and other stakeholders.

It’s also beneficial for them to have a passion for aquatics and wellness, and an ability to inspire others to participate in aquatic activities.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Aquatics Director?

Hiring an Aquatics Director can be challenging due to the range of skills and qualifications required for the role.

It’s important to not only find a candidate with the necessary professional qualifications, but also one who is a good fit for the community or organization.

They need to be able to work with diverse populations and uphold the culture and mission of the organization.

 

What should you look for in an Aquatics Director resume?

A strong Aquatics Director resume will highlight the candidate’s experience in aquatics management and their familiarity with safety and pool operation regulations.

Look for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and necessary certifications such as lifeguarding and CPR.

Evidence of past leadership roles, program development, budget management, and a passion for aquatic activities will also signal a strong candidate.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we dove deep into the world of an Aquatics Director.

Surprised?

It’s not just about overseeing swimming facilities.

It’s about creating safe and engaging aquatic environments, one pool at a time.

With our comprehensive Aquatics Director job description template and real-world instances, you’re ready to dive in.

But why stay on the surface?

Swim further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating precision-crafted listings or tailoring your resume to make a splash.

Remember:

Every responsibility of an Aquatics Director contributes to a larger vision.

Let’s make waves. Together.

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