Aquatic Program Lead

Create Swimmers for Life. Lead the Next Generation of Aquatic Professionals.

At Brave Waves Swim School, we believe aquatics is more than a job—it can be a meaningful and rewarding career.

As an Aquatic Program Lead, you'll play a key role in shaping the quality of our swim programs by mentoring instructors, supporting deck leaders, and creating an exceptional experience for every swimmer and family.

This is a hands-on leadership position for experienced aquatic professionals who are passionate about coaching others, developing strong teams, and leading by example. Unlike traditional management roles, our Aquatic Program Leads remain actively involved on deck—providing real-time coaching, observing lessons, supporting program quality, and helping develop future aquatic leaders.

Whether working part-time or full-time, this role is designed as a long-term career in aquatic leadership.

What Makes This Role Different

At Brave Waves, our leaders don't lead from an office—they lead from the pool deck.

You'll work alongside instructors every day, providing coaching, solving challenges, mentoring teammates, and helping ensure every swimmer receives exceptional instruction.

If you're looking to grow your career while making a meaningful impact on both swimmers and your team, we'd love to meet you.

How the Role Works

Aquatic Program Lead is your permanent leadership position.

Throughout the week, you'll contribute through a variety of leadership assignments, including:

• Aquatic Program Lead leadership hours
• Deck Manager assignments
• Deck Supervisor assignments
• Lesson observations and coaching
• Instructor mentoring
• Leadership development initiatives
• Occasional teaching assignments

This variety allows you to strengthen your leadership skills while supporting instructors, improving lesson quality, and ensuring an exceptional experience for every swimmer.

What You'll Do

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and coach swimming instructors through regular observations and constructive feedback.
• Support and develop Deck Supervisors and Deck Managers.
• Provide real-time coaching and encouragement during lessons.
• Foster a positive, professional, and supportive team culture.
• Lead by example through professionalism, communication, and accountability.
• Help onboard and develop new instructors and emerging leaders.

Program Quality

• Ensure lessons are delivered consistently in accordance with the Brave Waves curriculum.
• Champion teaching excellence by coaching instructors and reinforcing Brave Waves teaching standards.
• Monitor lesson quality and swimmer progression.
• Identify opportunities to improve instruction and class effectiveness.
• Maintain exceptional standards of safety, customer service, and program delivery.

Hands-On Aquatic Leadership

• Remain actively involved on deck throughout every shift.
• Provide in-water demonstrations when appropriate.
• Assist instructors with challenging teaching situations.
• Support swimmers who require additional guidance.
• Help create engaging, safe, and enjoyable learning environments.
• Teach swimming lessons as needed.

Operations

• Lead assigned shifts as Aquatic Program Lead.
• Lead assigned shifts as Deck Manager.
• Support Deck Managers while assigned as Deck Supervisor.
• Facilitate safe, organized, and efficient daily aquatic operations.
• Complete lesson observations, evaluations, and leadership documentation.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience teaching swimming lessons.
• Demonstrates exceptional aquatic leadership and professionalism.
• Enjoys mentoring and developing others.
• Communicates effectively with swimmers, families, and teammates.
• Is confident providing constructive coaching and feedback.
• Thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Leads with integrity, positivity, and accountability.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Swim Instructor Certification.
• National Lifeguard certification.
• Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C & AED (formerly Standard First Aid).
• Previous leadership experience in an aquatic environment.
• Experience mentoring instructors or supervising aquatic programs is considered an asset.

Why Brave Waves?

Our mission of Creating Swimmers for Life extends beyond teaching swimming. Every lesson is an opportunity to build confidence, develop life skills, and support the next generation of aquatic professionals.

At Brave Waves, you'll be part of a team that values leadership, mentorship, continuous learning, and excellence in everything we do.

Job Type

Permanent Part-Time or Full-Time (based on organizational needs)

Compensation & Professional Growth

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience and qualifications.
• Ongoing leadership development and mentorship.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A long-term career path in aquatic leadership.

Why You'll Love This Role

This is more than a leadership position—it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on swimmers, instructors, and the future of aquatics.

If you're passionate about developing people, leading by example, and creating exceptional swim experiences, we'd love to hear from you.