Summer Waterfront Lead: Lake Norman YMCA

The Summer Waterfront Lead is a seasonal position responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the YMCA lakefront recreational facility, ensuring a safe, engaging, and well-maintained waterfront experience for members, campers, and guests. This role provides leadership to waterfront staff, supervises aquatic activities, enforces safety protocols, and assists in training and coordinating lakefront programs. The Waterfront Lead supports center leadership in maintaining high operational and safety standards at the waterfront.

Culture Statement:

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core values. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose of serving as a catalyst to transform lives and communities through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We are respectful – we treat each other and those we serve as we hope to be treated ourselves. We are caring – we show a sincere concern for others and their well-being. We are honest – we are truthful in what we say and what we do, and we do not make promises we do not intend to keep. We are responsible – we are good stewards of our resources, strive for excellence and our actions are accountable to those we serve. We are innovative – we harness creativity, are solution minded and forward thinking. We lead with faith. 

Essential Functions:

• Supervise and support waterfront staff, ensuring proper coverage, adherence to safety policies, and professional conduct.
• Monitor all lakefront activities, including swimming, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, ensuring participant safety.
• Enforce waterfront safety policies and emergency procedures, responding to incidents as needed.
• Oversee daily facility operations, including equipment checks, water quality monitoring, and dock management.
• Assist in training and mentoring waterfront staff, providing guidance on rescue techniques and program facilitation.
• Coordinate and assist with lakefront programs, special events, and water sports activities.
• Perform routine maintenance and inspections of boats, docks, and safety equipment.
• Communicate effectively with participants, staff, and YMCA leadership to ensure a well-organized and positive waterfront experience.
• Ensure compliance with YMCA, local, and national safety regulations to maintain high safety standards.
• Uphold and promote the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Summer seasonal positions typically run from May through September.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application and hold a High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 2 years leadership experience in waterfront or aquatic facility management.
• Strong knowledge of water safety, risk management, and emergency response procedures.
• Experience supervising water-based recreational activities, such as boating, kayaking, sailing, and open-water swimming.
• Ability to lead, train, and mentor a team of lifeguards and waterfront staff.
• Excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with staff, participants, and families.
• Must be comfortable working in and around deep water for extended periods.
• Ability to perform basic facility maintenance and equipment checks.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Passion for outdoor recreation, water safety, and community engagement.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current lifeguard and CPR/First Aid certifications.

Working Conditions:

• Outdoor lakefront environment, with exposure to sun, wind, humidity, and varying weather conditions.
• Physically active role requiring standing, walking, swimming, and overseeing multiple waterfront activities for extended periods.
• Frequent exposure to lake water, boats, dock equipment, and water sports gear.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and assist with waterfront equipment setup and storage.
• Requires constant attentiveness and quick decision-making to ensure participant and staff safety.
• Work schedule includes early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on facility needs.

Competencies:

1 EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations
2 DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
3 INCLUSION: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.
4 COLLABORATION: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community