Aquatics Manager – Water Park Operations

Location: Kissimmee, FL
Department: Aquatics
Reports To: Director of Operations / Park Leadership
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

The Aquatics Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of the Aquatics Department within a high-volume water park. This role ensures the highest standards of guest safety, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and team performance.

The Aquatics Manager oversees all aquatic operations, staff development, safety programs, and facility performance, while serving as a key member of park leadership and acting as Manager-on-Duty (MOD) when assigned.

This position blends:

• Operational leadership (daily park execution)
• Safety & risk management oversight
• Administrative, financial, and staffing accountability
• Guest experience excellence

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Department Leadership & Operations Management

• Oversee all daily operations of aquatic facilities, including:
  • Pools, slides, wave attractions, rivers, and play structures
• Ensure safe, efficient, and guest-ready operations at all times
• Establish and enforce departmental policies, procedures, and SOPs
• Act as Manager-on-Duty (MOD) supporting total park operations
• Monitor attendance, guest flow, and attraction throughput

 Aquatics Managers are accountable for overall facility performance and operational efficiency.

2. Safety, Compliance & Risk Management (PRIMARY FUNCTION)

• Lead and enforce all aquatic safety and risk management programs
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Ellis & Associates Aquatic Risk Management Program
  • OSHA, state health codes, and safety regulations
• Oversee implementation of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
• Monitor lifeguard scanning and vigilance standards (10/20 rule)
• Conduct internal audits and prepare for external safety audits

Aquatics leadership ensures incident prevention and regulatory compliance across operations.

3. Emergency & Incident Management

• Serve as lead authority during emergencies, including:
  • Water rescues
  • Medical emergencies
  • Severe weather events
• Ensure proper execution of:
  • CPR, AED, First Aid, oxygen administration
• Oversee documentation, investigations, and corrective actions
• Coordinate with EMS, security, and executive leadership

 Lifeguard systems are designed for rapid response using real-world emergency training scenarios.

4. Staff Management & Workforce Planning

• Recruit, hire, train, and retain aquatics staff:
  • Lifeguards, supervisors, instructors, attendants
• Develop and manage:
  • Staffing models
  • Schedules and labor budgets
• Provide coaching, performance reviews, and corrective action
• Ensure enforcement of grooming, conduct, and uniform standards
• Build a high-performing, safety-focused culture

Managers are responsible for full lifecycle staff management and leadership development.

5. Training, Certification & Development

• Oversee all lifeguard certification programs (Ellis & Associates ILTP)
• Ensure staff maintain:
  • Lifeguard certification
  • CPR/AED/First Aid compliance
• Implement monthly in-service training and drills
• Develop leadership pipeline (Lead Guards → Supervisors)

Ongoing training and certification maintenance are required to uphold safety standards.

6. Water Quality, Facility & Equipment Management

• Ensure proper monitoring of:
  • Water chemistry (chlorine, pH, clarity)
• Oversee inspections and preventative maintenance programs
• Partner with maintenance for repairs and downtime management
• Ensure compliance with public health and sanitation standards

Managers often oversee chemical logs, maintenance planning, and equipment safety.

7. Audits, Reporting & Compliance Documentation

• Maintain accurate records including:
  • Incident and accident reports
  • Water quality logs
  • Safety audits and inspections
• Analyze trends to reduce risk and improve operations
• Prepare reports for leadership and regulatory agencies

8. Budgeting & Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage departmental budgets
• Monitor:
  • Labor costs
  • Overtime
  • Supplies and equipment spending
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies
• Support revenue-generating programs (lessons, events, rentals)

Aquatics Managers frequently manage budgets, revenue, and expense tracking.

9. Programming & Guest Experience

• Oversee aquatic programming:
  • Swim lessons, group events, special experiences
• Drive exceptional guest service standards
• Resolve escalated guest concerns and incidents
• Ensure a safe, fun, inclusive environment

10. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with:
  • Maintenance (repairs & closures)
  • Security (incident response)
  • HR (staffing & compliance)
  • Operations (park-wide initiatives)
• Support park events, promotions, and peak-season readiness

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Hospitality, Business, or related field preferred

Experience

• 2–5+ years in aquatics, water park, or related operations required
• Prior lifeguard experience required
• 2+ years in supervisory or management role preferred
• Experience in high-volume or resort environments highly preferred

Required Certifications

• Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification (ILTP) or ability to obtain
• CPR, AED, First Aid Certifications
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred / Advanced Certifications

• Ellis Lifeguard Instructor Certification
• Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) or Certified Pool Operator (CPO)
• Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
• Aquatic Supervisor or Management Certification

Lifeguard Prerequisites

• Swim 200 yards continuously
• Retrieve 5–10 lb brick from deep water
• Tread water 2 minutes (hands-free)

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of:
  • Aquatic safety & emergency response
  • Water park operations & risk management
  • Pool systems & water chemistry
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• Ability to manage high-pressure emergency situations
• Strong organizational, analytical, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and guest service focus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and reporting systems
• Ability to work flexible schedules (holidays, weekends, evenings)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods
• Ability to swim and perform rescues
• Lift up to 50 lbs (with assistance)
• Work outdoors in heat, humidity, and inclement weather
• Respond quickly and effectively in emergencies

Why Join Us?

• Lead a critical safety and operations department
• Work in a dynamic, high-energy water park environment
• Develop advanced leadership and risk management skills
• Opportunity for progression into senior operations leadership

Apply Today

Join our leadership team and help deliver a safe, innovative, and unforgettable water park experience while leading one of the most critical departments in the park.