The Dell JCC Aquatics Team. Credit: Mark Pattis

By Marcus Litz

While other facilities are operating on limited hours or facing staffing challenges, the JAquatics team at the Dell Jewish Community Center in Austin remains fully staffed for a second summer in a row. With over 75 lifeguards on staff, under the supervision of Aquatics Assistant Director Marcus Litz, the lifeguards have created an impeccable work culture bringing them back for another season.

Lifeguards show up to each shift, and enjoy spending time with one another, both on and off the clock. “We have a very social work culture. It is very positive and upbeat. Staff take time to get to know each other and form bonds. For my first job in high school, it gave me exposure and experience to the professional work environment and an introduction to customer service. It has given me a sense of what it is like to work with others and work in a professional environment,” said Mark Foster, head lifeguard.

“The reason I applied to work at the J was because I could tell the aquatics team was really passionate about the department. They were confident and had a well laid out foundation,” said Diego Salgado, aquatics specialist.

With a comprehensive training program, including monthly in-services, lifeguard auditing, as well as in-house American Red Cross training courses, the aquatics teams ensures that safety is number one on everyone’s list. “Our audits put our lifeguards on the spot and give them an opportunity to reinforce their skills. They also provide them with a learning experience. We always want them to grow, not only as lifeguards, but as people,” said Salgado.

Aquatics leadership, including Brooks Weaver, aquatics & athletics director, and Isobel Rolls, aquatics coordinator, make sure to devote time for professional development.

They help staff learn skills that will help them further on in their professional career.

The aquatics team created an introductory leadership position for new professionals showing interest in developing into a managerial role. These individuals get to work one-on-one with the aquatics assistant director as well as other members of the leadership team to be introduced to the world of leadership. During their time in this role, they learn how to effectively manage staff, handle member related questions, and learn how to lead a team. The aquatics leadership team says they believe that investing and showing interest in the staff is the first step to building a successful workforce. Creating a positive work culture where work is enjoyable and promoting within not only helps with retention but builds morale and motivates the staff as well.

This summer, the Rochelle & Stanley Ferdman Family Aquatic Center at the Dell JCC is the place to make a splash with the 32-foot waterslide tower, an eight lane 25-yard lap pool, a children’s activity pool and a poolside snack bar. Over the summer, the Dell JCC aquatics department provides programs such as group and private swim lessons, master’s swim team, Camp Swim Skillz and the JCC Piranhas, a youth summer swim team that is part of the North Austin Aquatic League, consisting of over 120 swimmers.