Learning Development Lead - Safety

Goldfish Swim School•Northville, MI

9h•$55,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Learning & Safety Development Lead – Safety Operations is responsible for advancing a culture of vigilance, prevention, and accountability across all BHB facilities. This role ensures the consistent implementation of Ellis & Associates–aligned lifeguard training, safety protocols, and documentation standards. The position provides direct support to lifeguard and instructor training programs, conducts safety evaluations, and ensures all staff are prepared to recognize, respond to, and prevent aquatic incidents. Aquatic Safety Training & Development Deliver hands-on, in-water, and deck-level safety training aligned with Ellis Lifeguard Training Program standards. Reinforce Ellis core principles, including Zone Protection, Surveillance, Scanning, GID Recognition, and Immediate Response. Support the development and distribution of Ellis-aligned safety materials, emergency action plans (EAPs), and operational procedures. Lead onboarding and continuous safety training for Managers responsible for aquatic operations. Ensure all aquatic staff demonstrate competency in rescue skills, emergency response, and preventative lifeguarding practices. Lifeguard & Instructor Training Support Support the Ellis Lifeguard Training Program by maintaining class organization, readiness, and compliance. Create class rosters before training sessions and update attendance, test results, and outcomes after each class. Track module completion, skills evaluations, and written exam progress, providing updates to participating locations three times per week. Maintain accurate digital records of certifications, evaluations, and completion status in accordance with BHB documentation requirements. Communicate training schedules, progress updates, and completion rates with instructors, school leadership, and operations teams. Safety Evaluation & Compliance Conduct on-site Ellis-style safety audits, including surveillance observations and operational readiness assessments. Evaluate lifeguard and instructor performance using Ellis evaluation criteria and BHB standardized rubrics. Verify compliance with Ellis & Associates standards, company safety policies, and local regulatory requirements. Identify safety deficiencies and collaborate with local managers to implement corrective action plans. Ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and professionalism in all safety records and personnel documentation. Professional Development & Recertification Coordinate and lead Ellis recertifications, in-services, and safety workshops locally and in designated markets. Stay current on Ellis & Associates updates, aquatic risk trends, and industry best practices. Promote continuous improvement through regular safety drills, performance feedback, and documented follow-up. Collaboration & Safety Leadership Work cross-functionally with operations and safety teams to ensure alignment with Ellis standards. Serve as a subject matter expert and safety liaison for the operations team, regional managers, and school leadership teams. Support additional safety initiatives and administrative responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Safety and Compliance.

Requirements

Minimum 3–5 years of experience in aquatic safety, lifeguarding, or aquatic operations leadership.
Demonstrated experience with Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Training Programs or equivalent.
Strong understanding of preventative lifeguarding, surveillance techniques, and emergency response.
Excellent organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
Proficiency in Google Sheets and digital training record systems.
Ability to manage multiple locations, deadlines, and frequent travel.
Current Lifeguard, CPR/AED, First Aid certifications required; Ellis Lifeguard Instructor

Nice To Haves

Experience in multi-site or franchise aquatic operations strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver hands-on, in-water, and deck-level safety training aligned with Ellis Lifeguard Training Program standards.
Reinforce Ellis core principles, including Zone Protection, Surveillance, Scanning, GID Recognition, and Immediate Response.
Support the development and distribution of Ellis-aligned safety materials, emergency action plans (EAPs), and operational procedures.
Lead onboarding and continuous safety training for Managers responsible for aquatic operations.
Ensure all aquatic staff demonstrate competency in rescue skills, emergency response, and preventative lifeguarding practices.
Support the Ellis Lifeguard Training Program by maintaining class organization, readiness, and compliance.
Create class rosters before training sessions and update attendance, test results, and outcomes after each class.
Track module completion, skills evaluations, and written exam progress, providing updates to participating locations three times per week.
Maintain accurate digital records of certifications, evaluations, and completion status in accordance with BHB documentation requirements.
Communicate training schedules, progress updates, and completion rates with instructors, school leadership, and operations teams.
Conduct on-site Ellis-style safety audits, including surveillance observations and operational readiness assessments.
Evaluate lifeguard and instructor performance using Ellis evaluation criteria and BHB standardized rubrics.
Verify compliance with Ellis & Associates standards, company safety policies, and local regulatory requirements.
Identify safety deficiencies and collaborate with local managers to implement corrective action plans.
Ensure confidentiality, accuracy, and professionalism in all safety records and personnel documentation.
Coordinate and lead Ellis recertifications, in-services, and safety workshops locally and in designated markets.
Stay current on Ellis & Associates updates, aquatic risk trends, and industry best practices.
Promote continuous improvement through regular safety drills, performance feedback, and documented follow-up.
Work cross-functionally with operations and safety teams to ensure alignment with Ellis standards.
Serve as a subject matter expert and safety liaison for the operations team, regional managers, and school leadership teams.
Support additional safety initiatives and administrative responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Safety and Compliance.