Tyler Daly

In today’s episode of Navigating Neva, Neva and Wes sit down with Tyler Daly, an aquatics leader who blends coaching mindset with real-world deck accountability. Tyler shares his career path—from early aquatics work in Leesburg, Florida, to building a swim program in Colorado from 80 to 400 monthly participants in 2.5 years and helping certify 77 swim instructors, to returning to Orlando and stepping into his current role as an Aquatics Coordinator for a Parks & Rec department outside the city at a brand-new facility.

This conversation focuses on what actually moves the needle in safety and culture: instructors and leaders, not just agencies or certification cards. Tyler breaks down why certified isn’t the same as competent, where readiness gaps show up on deck, and how to rebuild training systems without losing trust. He also tackles the reality of cost barriers in professional development, shares practical ways departments can keep growth alive on tight budgets, and explains why clear vision + hierarchy can either strengthen operations—or quietly undermine them if misapplied.

They close with what Tyler is preparing for right now: pre-season hiring and training, the facility’s first Memorial Day season, and getting the team ready for their first Starguard audit—with a consistent emphasis on process, daily standards, and teamwork.

If you manage, train, or oversee aquatics—even from outside the deck—this episode is a leadership reality check.

Connect with Tyler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-daly-3323a62b2/