New Sussex County YMCA Aquatics Director Poised to Grow Swim Program – TAPinto.net
HARDYSTON, NJ – The Sussex County YMCA has named Kaitlin Knoblick as its new Aquatics Director, overseeing Y programs including swim lessons and staffing, as well as lifeguard safety and training education.
Knoblick comes to the Sussex Y with extensive experience in aquatics programs in New Jersey and Florida. Her Y career began in 2006 at the YMCA of the Treasure Coast in Stuart, Fla., where she worked in the Welcome Center, as a Lifeguard, and Head Aqua Camp Counselor and Aqua Camp Coordinator.
She most recently spent three and a half years as Aquatics Director at the Summit Area YMCA, managing swim lessons, aquatic exercise classes, swim team, family swim and recreation swim schedules. Prior to the Summit Y, she worked as a manager at a hotel and health club for three years, ensuring safety and cleanliness of their pool. She also served as Aquatics Consultant and Interim Program Supervisor at the YMCA of Newark and Vicinity, where she managed lifeguard and staffing schedules, restructured and grew the entire swim lessons program.
In addition to her decade of experience in aquatics programs and services, she spent her own childhood and teenage years in Y pools, learning to swim and competing on Y teams. Growing up in Verona in Essex County, she started taking swim lessons at the nearby Montclair Y and eventually became a member of that Y’s swim team. She also spent two years on the West Essex Y Racers swim team, specializing in the butterfly stroke.
As a past swim instructor herself, Knoblick said a successful program begins with enthusiastic instructors. “I love seeing the kids come into the program not knowing how to swim and then growing from there. It’s fun to watch them learn and get excited,” she said.
“I’m enjoying getting to know the members and families here at the Sussex County Y and I look forward to growing the Y’s admired swim program and providing more opportunities for swimmers of all ages to enjoy the pool,” said Knoblick.
As COVID-related restrictions get lifted, Knoblick hopes to be able increase swim lessons, bring back popular Water Aerobics times and also develop new or different types of Water Aerobics classes, and offer more family swim times and fun family programs such as pumpkin picking in the pool.
The Sussex County Y, with a membership of more than 5,000, currently offers group and private swim lessons for children and adults, starting at 6 months of age, as well as lap swimming throughout the week, Family Swim sessions, and lifeguard certification courses. Knoblick steps into the role left vacant by the departure of former Aquatics Director Sarah Navarro.
“I am excited to have Kaitlin joining the team here at the Sussex County YMCA. She brings with her many years of YMCA aquatic experience from around the country. I know with her dedication to safety and training, the Sussex County YMCA will continue to deliver a safe environment for our community,” said Corey Brown, Executive Director at the Sussex County Y.
Knoblick holds numerous certifications including being a YMCA swim instructor and trainer, YMCA Team Leader, Lifeguard Instructor, and is certified in CPR and First Aid. She is also a National Swimming Pools Certified Pool Operator and Level 1 and 2 U.S. Masters Swim Coach. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Thomas Edison State College and is currently pursuing an Associates Degree in Welding at Sussex County Community College.
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ABOUT THE Y
Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hackensack, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2.8 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.