There are many models for Aquatic management that have all had varying degrees of sustained success. With the need for Total Aquatic Programming in multi-faceted facilities currently being planned, the overall structure needs to be examined. We have entered the era of professionalism and certification and it would be beneficial to understand what a successful basic staffing plan looks like.
Definitions: Click on the links below to learn more about each one.
APA = Aquatic program aide
CPR = Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
AED = Automated External Defibrillator
CWPT = Certified Pool Water Technician
CPO = Certified Pool Operator
CPM = Certified Pool Manager
RAST = Risk Awareness Safety Training
ASCA = American Swim Coaches Association
AEA = Aquatic Exercise Assoc.
ATRI = Aquatic Therapy & rehab Institute
CAA = Certified Aquatic Administrator
Aquatic CEO = Chief Executive Officer
BASIC DESCRIPTIONS
Title: Aquatic Program Aide or Tech (lifeguards included)
Qualifications & Certifications: CPR, AED, First Aid, Water Safety within 1st 6 months, APA within 1st year, CPWT within 1st 18 months
Salary Range: $8.00 - $9.90 per hour Flex time
Title: Aquatic Specialist (Instructor, Coach, Coordinator)
Qualifications & Certifications: CPR, AED, First Aid, Coaches Safety, Water Safety, CPWT within 1st 6 months – RAST within 1st year
Specialty certifications ASCA, AEA, ATRI
Salary Range: $10.00-$15.90 per hour Flex time plus benefits
Title: Aquatic Manager (Supervisor)
Qualifications & Certifications: CPR, AED, First Aid, Coaches Safety, Water Safety, CPWT or CPO, RAST, CPM, Specialty Certifications within 1st 6 months Specialty certifications ASCA, AEA, ATRI
Salary Range: $16.00 - $19.90 Full time plus Benefits
Title: Aquatic Director
Qualifications & Certifications: CPR, AED, First Aid, Water Safety, CPWT, RAST, CPM, CAA – Specialty Certifications
Salary Range: $20.00 & up; Full time plus benefits
Title: Aquatic CEO
Qualifications & Certifications: CPR, AED, First Aid, Water Safety, CPWT, RAST, CPM, CAA, Plus seminars, conferences, experience, Industry leadership, Specialty Certifications
Salary Range: $ Salary & benefits commensurate with responsibility and experience
Sample flow chart for Aquatic Facility: (click here to view the flow chart)
Board of Directors: A BOD may not be applicable with privately owned facilities.
Aquatic CEO: This position may not be applicable with smaller facilities; see CAA below.
Facility Director/Manager: (CAA) The on-site “go to” position that is responsible for day-to-day operations. Many times this is the only person needed, especially for average size facilities.
All positions listed below report to the CAA immediately above:
Facility Business Supervisor: in charge of billing, membership, advertising, retail space rentals, human resources.
Aquatic Programs Coordinator: in charge of Learn-2-Swim, Swim Team rental, community access, water rental, events.
Facility Operations Supervisor: in charge of maintenance, guards, safety, risk management, facility operations, equipment.
Aquatic Wellness Coordinator: in charge of adult programs, personal training, post rehab, water classes, masters swimming, special programs.
Land Wellness Coordinator: in charge of health club, land exercise areas, facility customer service staff, concessions & vending.
Position NumberEmp Hourly Rate Budget Hour
Operational tech's 3 $10 $30
Coordinator level 2 $15 $30
Manager level 1 $20 $20
Approx total no benefits included $80
Annualized salaries= $166,400
Annualized budget= $334,400
Does not include Taxes - Depreciation - Employee benefits - Debt reduction
Salaries for 15,000 sq ft multi-use facility open 60 hours per week
Position NumberEmp Hourly Rate Budget Hour
Operational tech's 4 $10 $40
Coordinator level 2 $15 $30
Manager level 1 $20 $20
Approx total no benefits included $90
Annualized salaries= $187,200
Annualized budget= $397,200
Does not include Taxes - Depreciation - Employee benefits - Debt reduction
Salaries for 21,000 sq ft multi-use facility open 60 hours per week
Position NumberEmp Hourly Rate Budget Hour
Operational tech's 5 $10 $50
Coordinator level 2 $15 $30
Manager level 1 $20 $20
Approx total no benefits included $100
Annualized salaries= $208,000
Annualized budget= $502,000
Does not include Taxes - Depreciation - Employee benefits - Debt reduction
Salaries for 50,000 sq ft multi-use facility open 60 hours per week
Position NumberEmp Hourly Rate Budget Hour
Operational tech's 6 $10 $60
Coordinator level 2 $15 $45
Manager level 1 $20 $20
Approx total no benefits included $125
Annualized salaries= $260,000
Annualized budget= $960,000
Does not include Taxes - Depreciation - Employee benefits - Debt reduction
More detailed information plus sample job descriptions are available from USA Swimming Facilities Development Department.