Camp Cherokee Waterfront Director

POSITION SUMMARY: To provide a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience for campers through YMCA Camp Cherokee's program design and implementation, tailored to age-specific needs at the waterfront. Lead and manage lifeguards and other staff members, ensuring the overall well-being of waterfront facilities and equipment.

• Develop, manage, and supervise a safe and engaging aquatic program.
• Evaluate swim levels of all campers and staff effectively.
• Implement creative aquatic classes and assist staff in writing lesson plans.
• Provide effective swim lessons for campers with entry-level 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 duties.
• Discuss planning and implementation during staff training sessions.
• Create lifeguard schedules during summer camp.
• Organize lifeguard staff during field trips with aquatic facilities.
• Ensure lifeguards and counselors provide safe and high-quality aquatic classes.
• Manage waterfront staff evaluations.
• Communicate directly with lifeguards and program directors.
• Conduct weekly in-service training for lifeguard staff members.
• Manage physical equipment and facility at the waterfront area.
• Maintain the waterfront area, including trash, lost clothing, PFDs, and boating equipment.
• Assist lifeguards and counselors in using waterfront equipment properly.
• Set up the waterfront before participant arrival.
• Conduct aquatic equipment inventory before and after summer camp.
• Check equipment daily and file maintenance orders as needed.
• Monitor the waterfront daily and keep the area free of hazards and debris.
• Assist other program staff when needed.
• Support Evening Program Director.
• Cultivate a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere at the waterfront for campers and staff.
• Plan and supervise campers and staff during 'bridge' sessions.
• Participate in 'OD' responsibilities.
• Supervise off-site trips.
• Maintain aquatic equipment, including PFDs, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, aqua trampoline, ID bands, paddles, and lifeguard equipment.

Qualifications:

• A Waterfront Director must be at least lifeguard certified (WSI, Waterfront preferred).
• Must be 21 years old or have completed two years of college.
• Must be certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Attend pre-camp training, retreats, and opening training sessions.
• Possess leadership qualities and sound judgment.
• Good health, enthusiasm, individual maturity, moral character, team qualities, and communication skills.
• Possess interest in child development.
• Endure hot temperatures, physical exertion, manual labor, behavioral conflicts, and walk/run/swim daily.
• Physical requirements include endurance during prolonged activities, bending, stooping, and lifting (boating equipment). Must operate in hot temperatures and have sufficient strength and mobility to safely supervise children's activities.