1

Aquatics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Aquatics - Lifeguard

Alexandria, VA

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Aquatic Director or Assistant Aquatic Director or Aquatic Coordinator Job titles directly reporting to this position: None Job titles indirectly reporting to this position: None Essential Duties and ...

The purpose of the class is to teach classes and provide aquatic instruction for water safety, deep and shallow water fitness, aquatic arthritis classes, and other related classes as assigned. The ...

Aquatics Instructor

Ashburn, VA

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Aquatics Instructor Department: Amenity Managements/Operations Reports to: General Manager Job Type: Non-Exempt Arch Amenities Group Wellness-driven. Hospitality-focused. Arch Amenities Group is the ...

Aquatics Instructor

Ashburn, VA

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Aquatics Instructor Department: Amenity Managements/Operations Reports to: General Manager Job Type: Non-Exempt Arch Amenities Group Wellness-driven. Hospitality-focused. Arch Amenities Group is the ...

Showing results 21-40

Aquatics information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$19

$33

How much do aquatics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for aquatics in Virginia is $19.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aquatics job?

Aquatics jobs are positions related to the management, instruction, and safety of water-based activities, usually in settings like swimming pools, lakes, water parks, or beaches. These roles can include lifeguards, swim instructors, pool managers, aquatic directors, and maintenance staff. Aquatics professionals ensure the safety of swimmers, offer swimming lessons, maintain water quality, and organize aquatic programs or events. The field offers opportunities for both entry-level and experienced candidates, often requiring certifications such as CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an aquatics role?

To excel in an aquatics role, you need strong swimming ability, knowledge of water safety protocols, and relevant certifications such as lifeguard or swim instructor credentials. Familiarity with pool maintenance equipment, first aid, CPR, and rescue techniques is typically required. Excellent communication, vigilance, and leadership skills help ensure safety and foster a positive environment. These competencies are essential for preventing accidents, responding swiftly to emergencies, and delivering effective aquatic programs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in aquatics and how can they be managed?

Professionals in aquatics often encounter challenges such as maintaining safety standards, adapting to varied skill levels among participants, and managing pool facilities. Staying vigilant to prevent accidents, effectively communicating with both team members and guests, and keeping up with regular facility maintenance are crucial aspects of the role. Additionally, aquatics staff must frequently update their certifications and be prepared to respond swiftly to emergencies, which requires ongoing training and strong teamwork.

What is the difference between Aquatics vs Lifeguard?

AspectAquaticsLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Water Safety InstructorCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentPools, aquatic centers, water parks, beachesSwimming pools, beaches, water parks
Job ResponsibilitiesTeaching swimming, water safety, aquatic program managementMonitoring swimmers, enforcing safety rules, rescue duties

While both roles involve water safety, Aquatics professionals often focus on teaching swimming and managing aquatic programs, whereas Lifeguards primarily monitor swimmers and perform rescues. Certifications overlap but differ slightly in scope. Aquatics roles may include a broader range of responsibilities in aquatic facilities, making them more comprehensive than the focused safety duties of Lifeguards.

What are some careers in aquatics?

Careers in aquatics include aquarists, lifeguards, swim instructors, aquatic therapists, and water safety instructors. These roles often require certifications such as lifeguard training or CPR, and involve working in pools, aquariums, or aquatic therapy settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aquatics jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Aquatics jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Aquatics jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Aquatics job openings:

Infographic showing various Aquatics job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,426 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Basic Function and Scope of Responsibility: 

  • Protects the safety of all swimmers by preventing accidents and by responding to an emergency quickly and efficiently to minimize the danger to those involved  

Supervisory Responsibility: 

X No Supervisory responsibility   

¨ Provides guidance, leadership, or training to other employees (no direct supervision)  

¨ Directly responsible for supervising non-exempt, clerical, or office administration personnel 

¨ Directly responsible for supervising exempt, professional, or technical employees 

¨ Directly responsible for supervising supervisory/managerial employees 

Organizational Structure: 

Job title to which this position reports: Aquatic Director or Assistant Aquatic Director or Aquatic Coordinator 

Job titles directly reporting to this position: None 

Job titles indirectly reporting to this position: None 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

  • Reports to work on time, in uniform, and is ready to work when the shift starts 

  • Ensures that all appropriate equipment is available 

  • Checks area for hazardous conditions at the beginning of shift 

  • Knows and practices the proper emergency procedures 

  • Enforces the rules; explaining the reasons behind the rules, as well as the danger infractions present. Reports persistent problems to the supervisor 

  • Keeps members/participants from congregating on walk areas that may present safety issues; not tolerating recklessness or rough play 

  • Makes neat and clear entries in required logs 

  • Outdoor pools – clears all swimmers during electrical storms 

  • Other duties as required 

Customer Service Standards: 

Staff Engagement: 

  • Performs secondary duties and provide information to deepen the member’s knowledge of the Y and program offerings 

  • Greets each member with a warm smile 

  • Enforces aquatics rules with respect and care 

  • Offers aquatics knowledge to enhance member experience 

Facility Excellence: 

  • Is prepared and attentive to my surroundings 

  • Ensures that the aquatics area an all equipment are clean and in proper working condition 

Show: 

  • Welcomes all program participants within their first two weeks of class 

  • Is an “aquatics ambassador” that enhances the member experience 

Required Competencies: 

Mission Advancement 

  • Values - Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. 

  • Community - Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. 

Collaboration 

  • Inclusion - Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. 

  • Relationships - Builds rapport and relates well to others. 

  • Communication - Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. 

Operational Effectiveness 

  • Decision Making - Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. 

  • Quality Results - Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. 

Personal Growth 

  • Self Development - Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. 

  • Emotional Maturity - Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships 

  • Functional Expertise - Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. 

Education, Certification, Skills, and Experience: 

  • Must be 16 years of age 

  • Blood Borne Pathogens 

  • Right to Know 

  • Facility Orientation/Aquatic Policy 

  • Emergency Procedures 

  • Preventing Child Abuse 

  • Backboard Training 

  • Adult, child, and infant CPR 

  • Current lifeguard certification 

  • Must obtain YMCA certification within the first year of employment 

* Jr. Lifeguards may be hired in jurisdictions that allow it. These positions will be graded with regular lifeguards, but paid slightly lower wages. A Jr. Lifeguards may not guard alone. As soon as s/he reaches 16 years of age, must take YMCA Lifeguard Crossover 

YMCA Leadership Certification: 

Position requires ongoing progress towards Leader Certification 

Working Conditions: 

  • Must have the physical ability to meet all prerequisites for YMCA Lifeguarding 

  • Must be able to lift and move around objects of 40 pounds or more  

  • Swim 500 yards 

  • Tread water for two minutes. (Legs only) 

  • Retrieve training victim from bottom deep end 

  • Active victim rescue with tube 

  • Passive victim rescue with tube 

  • Backboard victim 

  • Ability to see and hear participants in distress or asking for assistance