About this role
About the Role
Help kids and adults gain confidence and safety in the water! At Countryside YMCA, our Swim Instructors teach swimming skills to participants of all ages while keeping every class safe, engaging, and fun. Reporting to the Swim Lesson Director, youll lead small-group lessons using the YMCA Swim Lessons curriculum and follow our aquatic policies to create a positive learning environment. As part of the Y, a nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, your work directly strengthens our community.
What Youll Do
In the water
- Teach lessons using prepared lesson plans that follow YMCA curriculum standards
- Keep constant eyes on every swimmer and maintain a safe class at all times
- Keep classes active so participants get the most out of their time in the pool
- Adapt instruction to each learners needs, whether teaching children or adults
- Celebrate progress and good behavior with positive reinforcement
- Assess each participants skills on the first day and let your supervisor know if anyone should be moved to a different level
Tracking progress
- Keep skill sheets current with accurate records of attendance and skills achieved
- Complete and hand out progress reports before each new registration session opens
- Maintain attendance and other required records
Connecting with families
- Build genuine relationships with swimmers and their families and help them feel part of the Y community
- Encourage parent involvement and identify families who may be interested in volunteering
Team and safety responsibilities
- Set up and put away class equipment
- Follow all YMCA and pool policies, including emergency and safety procedures, and help complete incident or accident reports when needed
- Attend scheduled trainings and help train new instructors when asked
- Communicate time-off requests to your supervisor and secure a qualified sub for any schedule conflicts
Qualifications
What Were Looking For
- Minimum age of 16
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Swim instruction experience is a plus, but well train the right person
- Ability to demonstrate swim instruction skills and proper stroke technique to YMCA standards
- Dependable, on-time attendance
- Background check required for staff 18 and older
Certifications
- Basic Life Support (CPR with Oxygen) and Basic First Aid, obtained and kept current
- Completion of YMCA Swim Lessons (YSL) training and any additional training offered by the Aquatic Director
Work Environment and Physical Demands
- Strong swimming ability and the ability to apply rescue and first aid techniques
- Regularly enter the water for instruction and training
- Stand, kneel, bend, stoop, and reach overhead
- Lift up to 25 lbs. occasionally and remove individuals from the pool to the deck during a rescue
- Communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing; read situations, solve problems, and stay calm with upset or dissatisfied members
- Work in a wet, humid pool environment with exposure to pool chemicals and noise levels that vary with programming
Perks
Staff who work at least 16 hours per quarter receive a complimentary individual YMCA membership.
Accommodations
Candidates must be able to perform the essential duties of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Countryside YMCA is committed to the safety of every child and vulnerable individual in our care. We follow best practices in abuse prevention, including thorough screening, ongoing training, and clear behavioral expectations for all staff and volunteers. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and take every allegation and concern seriously. All employees must follow our child protection policies, complete required training, and report suspicious or inappropriate behavior right away.
Countryside YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.