Job Description

Everyone knows the pool is the coolest place to be in the summer. Join our Aquatics Team to make sure everyone can enjoy the pool in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a lifeguard, a swim instructor, or a little bit of both, you’re going to love working in aquatics at the Y because you’re helping swimmers feel confident and gain experience in the water. No lifeguard experience? No problem, we’ll train you!

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

To provide leadership to all instructional areas of the Aquatic Program, while maintaining safety of all program participants.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must be mentally alert to dangerous situations in order to assure safety of all swimmers.
• Must be able to move with the use of both arms and legs and to properly use aquatic equipment to rescue a 200-pound person.
• Must possess a cooperative spirit committed to character development by promoting and demonstrating caring, honesty, respect and responsibility to staff, lay leaders, YMCA members, program participants and the general public.
• Must enjoy working with youth of all ages and abilities.
• Ability to relate to pool patrons in a positive manner.
• All instructional classes will be taught to the program objectives of the YMCA Swim Lessons.
• Instructional classes will promote the Mission of the YMCA.
• Able to move to various locations, including in and around the swimming pool and an elevated lifeguard station.
• Able to communicate verbally, including projecting the voice across distances.
• Able to handle irate, complaining individuals without internalizing or personalizing comments made.
• Remain physically able to demonstrate and perform rescue and lifesaving skills.
• Responsible for safety of all program participants in and around the pool.
• Responsible for preparing and teaching classes. The use of lesson plans and session plans are required.
• All required documentation of class attendance and skill completion will be kept current each class.
• Responsible for notifying Aquatic Coordinator or Aquatic Director when cannot be at a scheduled class and for finding a qualified teaching substitute.
• Must be in the water at least fifty percent of the time for an upper level class and one hundred percent for lower level class.
• Responsible for being on duty ten minutes before class is to start and on deck five minutes before the class begins (all equipment for the class is out and ready).
• Responsible for attending all swimming instructor staff meetings.
• Responsible for evaluating swimming lesson participants, preparing progress reports and distributing certificates and reports at last class.
• All progress reports are to be reviewed by Aquatic Director or Aquatic Coordinator prior to last class.
• Responsible for the fun and positive atmosphere of the swim class.
• Must attend Blood Borne Pathogen training and Child Abuse Prevention training.
• Responsible for keeping appropriate certifications current.
• Develop meaningful and sustainable relationships with members, donors and volunteers.

EFFECT ON END RESULTS:

This position affects the overall YMCA Instructional Swim Classes. When done properly, the Program will have a positive and safe atmosphere for each participant.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must stay current in CPR/AED/O2 and First Aid, renewed annually. (Training provided by the Y, if needed)
• Must complete all required Annual Compliance Trainings within 30 days of hire and renewed annually.
• Must be 16 years of age and show technical ability in swim skill instruction.
• Proficient and demonstration quality swimming skills and safety skills.
• Must have personal characteristics consistent with the Character Development Core Values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of ages.
• Should possess a current YMCA Lifeguard or YMCA Instructor Safety Assistant (YISA), or certification by another nationally recognized organization.
• Must become certified as a YMCA Swim Instructor within six months of employment or when training is offered.