Selection Process
Each AquaKids® employee is carefully selected for their maturity and compassion for children. Our hiring and selection procedures are the most stringent in the industry.
AquaKids® is known for their patient and affectionate staff. We require that every employee pass a drug test and background screen prior to being hired. Once these pre-employment screens are completed, each employee is required to log a certain amount of training hours prior to working independently. Other certifications are required based on each employee’s position. AquaKids® only accepts American Red Cross safety certifications.
After each employee has been screened and trained, they are also evaluated at least three times per year in order to make sure that they are constantly improving and growing with the company.
What do our hiring and selection procedures guarantee you? The best talent in the industry.
Swim Instructors
All swim instructors are required to hold current American Red Cross CPR certifications and be at least 16 years of age. Professional in-water and classroom training with one of our lead instructors through our AquaSteps® swim lesson program of at least 40 hours must be completed prior to an instructor being given their own set of classes.
But, it doesn’t end there… Once an instructor is given their own set of classes, they are carefully watched and monitored by our Deck Managers and Facility Manager. Instructors are evaluated by you, the parents, as well as our Facility Manager at the conclusion of every session. Mandatory teacher training in-services are held at least once per session for current and new instructors in order to keep up with the latest teaching methods.
WSI certifications are encouraged but not required.
Office Staff
Previous office or clerical experience as well as an extensive knowledge of the Microsoft programs is required in order to be hired for our office staff. Professional classroom hands-on training with one of our lead office staff members through our ClassSmart database management program of at least 20 hours must be completed prior to an office staff member working independently.
Office staff members are evaluated by you, the parents, as well as our Facility Manager at the conclusion of every session. Mandatory office training in-services are held twice per year in order to provide our office staff with the tools that they need in order to provide you with the best possible experience.
Lifeguards
All Lifeguards are required to hold current American Red Cross Lifeguarding and CPR certifications and be at least 16 years of age. Professional in-water and classroom training is provided with the Facility Manager after the lifeguard has been American Red Cross certified.
But, it doesn’t end there… Once a lifeguard is assigned to work, they are carefully watched and monitored by our Deck Managers and Facility Manager. Mandatory lifeguard training in-services are held at least once per session for current and new lifeguards in order to keep up with the latest safety methods.
Deck Managers
AquaKids® Deck Managers are responsible for day-to-day operations of each location when the Facility Manager is absent. Deck Managers are required to hold current American Red Cross Lifeguarding and CPR certifications and be at least 18 years of age. All of our Deck Managers have previously completed the Swim Instructor requirements and are trained to teach all levels of classes. Deck Managers are also trained in our computer database program, ClassSmart.
But, it doesn’t end there… Once a Deck Manager has been assigned to work, they are carefully watched and monitored by our Facility Manager. Monthly meetings are held between Deck Managers and the Facility Manager in order to make sure that you and your child are being provided with the best customer experience. Deck Managers are evaluated by you, the parents, as well as our Facility Manager at the conclusion of every session.
We think of our Deck Managers as our future Facility Managers. They are our most professional and mature employees and most have been with us for a long period of time.
Facility Manager
Each location has one Facility Manager that is responsible for the overall operations. Facility Managers are carefully chosen by AquaKids® Corporate. Every Facility Manager has gone through training programs for instructors, office staff, lifeguards, and Deck Managers in order to ensure that they have a complete knowledge of our swim school.
If the Facility Manager is new to our company, a three month comprehensive training program is given with training in the water, classroom, and computer as well as time spent at each AquaKids® facility working under a current Facility Manager.
Each Facility Manager is required to hold a number of certifications. The Facility Manager has current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certifications which allow them to train our staff to become lifeguards. They are also required to have a CPO certification which allows them to run the pool operations.
But it doesn’t end there… Each month, all of our Facility Managers meet at Corporate to review the operations of their facility. Facility Manager evaluations are conducted with the Corporate Administrator as well the owners of the company once per session in order to ensure that you are receiving the best experience possible.
