Camp Cherokee Waterfront Director

YMCA of Upper Palmetto•Blacksburg, SC

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The Waterfront Director is responsible for providing a safe and fun aquatic program at YMCA Camp Cherokee, tailored to different camper age groups. This role involves leadership and management of lifeguards and other camp staff, as well as maintaining the waterfront facilities and equipment. The position requires planning, implementation, and supervision of aquatic activities, evaluating swim levels, conducting swim lessons, and focusing on skill development in swimming and boating. The director will also train and supervise waterfront staff, create schedules, organize staff during field trips, manage staff evaluations, and communicate with program directors. Additionally, the role includes managing waterfront equipment and facilities, ensuring upkeep of the area, assisting with various camp responsibilities like opening/closing days and off-site trips, and fostering a positive atmosphere.

Requirements

Waterfront Director must be at least lifeguard certified (preferred-WSI, Waterfront)
Must be 21 years of age or have completed at least two years of college.
Must be certified in First Aid and CPR.
Must attend all pre-camp training, retreats, and opening training session.
Possess leadership qualities and ability to use sound judgment.
Good health, enthusiasm, individual maturity, moral character, team qualities, and communication skills.
Possess interest in the development of children.
Must be able to endure hot temperatures, physical exertion, manual labor, behavioral conflicts, and must be able to walk, run, and swim every day.
Physical requirements of the Waterfront Director position include endurance during prolonged activities, bending, stooping and lifting (boating equipment).
Must be willing to operate under daily exposure to hot temperatures.
Requires sufficient strength and mobility in order to safely supervise children’s activities.

Nice To Haves

WSI certification
Waterfront certification

Responsibilities

Plan, manage and supervise a safe and fun aquatic program.
Effectively evaluate swim levels of all campers and staff members.
Implement creative aquatic classes.
Assist staff members in writing lesson plans for aquatic classes.
Provide an effective swim lesson class for campers with entry level swim skills.
Focus on skill development for campers and staff involved in the waterfront program (swimming and boating).
Train and supervise waterfront staff/ counselor responsibilities.
Train lifeguards and counselors in waterfront responsibilities.
Discuss planning and implementation during staff training(s).
Create lifeguard schedules during summer camp.
Organize lifeguard staff during field trips with aquatic facilities.
Ensure lifeguards and counselors are providing a safe and high-quality aquatic classes.
Manage waterfront staff evaluation process.
Communicate directly with lifeguards and program director(s).
Conduct a weekly in-service training for lifeguard staff members.
Manage the physical equipment and facility at the waterfront area.
Upkeep the waterfront area including trash, lost and found clothing, PFDs and boating equipment.
Assist lifeguards and counselors in the proper use of waterfront equipment (PFDs and boating).
Properly set up the waterfront prior to the arrival of participants.
Conduct aquatic equipment inventory prior to and concluding summer camp.
Conduct daily equipment checks, and file any program orders or maintenance needed.
Monitor the waterfront daily, and keep the area free of hazards and debris.
Assist other program staff when needed.
Assist Evening Program Director.
Create a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere at the waterfront for campers and staff.
Plan and supervise campers and staff during “bridge” sessions.
Actively assist in “OD” responsibilities.
Assist in supervision during off site trips.
Identify and maintain all aquatic equipment including but not limited to PFDs, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, aqua trampoline, aquatic ID bands, paddles and lifeguard equipment. Note when repairs are needed or new program materials are needed.