Head Swim Coach

Lead a championship swim team! Inspire athletes, mentor coaches, and shape the future at the Bayside Family YMCA.

Job Description

Lead. Inspire. Build Upon a Championship Tradition.
The Bayside Family YMCA is seeking a passionate, relationship-driven Head Swim Coach to lead one of Rhode Island's premier YMCA competitive swim programs.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced coach who believes in developing athletes both in and out of the pool, values building meaningful relationships with families, and is passionate about creating a positive, competitive, and inclusive team culture.
As our Head Swim Coach, you will provide leadership for a well-established competitive swim team while working closely with the Aquatics Director and YMCA leadership to continue growing one of the Greater Providence YMCA's signature youth programs.
If you're looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact on young athletes while leading a successful and respected swim program, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For! We're searching for a coach who:

• Believes in athlete-first coaching and long-term swimmer development.
• Creates a positive, inclusive, and supportive team culture.
• Leads with integrity, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
• Builds strong relationships with swimmers, families, officials, volunteers, and staff.
• Enjoys mentoring assistant coaches and developing future leaders.
• Communicates effectively and consistently.
• Brings energy, creativity, and accountability to the pool every day.
• Is passionate about continuing Bayside's tradition of competitive excellence while helping every swimmer reach their individual potential.
• Previous competitive swimming coaching experience required.
• Demonstrated success developing swimmers of varying ages and abilities.
• Strong knowledge of stroke development, training methodology, taper planning, and race preparation.
• Experience supervising or mentoring coaching staff preferred.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with swim management software preferred.
• Commitment to the YMCA mission and values.

Essential Functions

Athlete Development & Coaching

• Design and implement comprehensive seasonal training plans for all practice groups, aligned with short course, long course, and championship competition schedules.
• Lead daily practices while fostering technical excellence, sportsmanship, confidence, and personal growth.
• Evaluate swimmer progress and appropriately place athletes within training groups.
• Develop and oversee a dry-land training program for swimmers ages 11 and older.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Recruit, mentor, supervise, and evaluate assistant coaches.
• Foster a collaborative coaching environment focused on continuous improvement.
• Promote YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility throughout the program.
• Stay current on coaching methodologies and best practices.

Program Operations

• Lead all aspects of swim meet preparation and competition.
• Work collaboratively with the Aquatics Director to develop and manage the annual swim team budget.
• Support fundraising initiatives including Swim for Your Cause and other team events.
• Coordinate the annual team banquet and recognition programs.
• Assist with program marketing, recruitment, and community outreach.
• Maintain compliance with YMCA, USA Swimming, SENECY, and Safe Sport requirements.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build positive relationships with swimmers and families through consistent communication.
• Encourage parent engagement and volunteer participation.
• Create a welcoming environment where every athlete feels supported and challenged.

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

Join Our Team


This is more than a coaching position; it's an opportunity to lead one of the Greater Providence YMCA's flagship youth programs, build upon a championship tradition, and positively impact hundreds of young athletes and families each year.
If you're ready to inspire the next generation of swimmers while continuing Bayside's legacy of excellence, we'd love to hear from you.


Why You'll Love Working at the YMCA

• At the YMCA, you'll do more than coach swimming. You'll help young athletes develop confidence, resilience, discipline, leadership, and friendships that last a lifetime while making a meaningful impact on your community every day.
• Benefits Include:
  • Full-time, non-exempt position
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Free Family YMCA Membership
  • Retirement savings opportunities
  • Professional development and certification opportunities
  • The opportunity to lead one of New England's most successful YMCA swim programs

Required Certifications

Current certifications or ability to obtain upon hire

• YMCA Swim Coach Certification
• USA Swimming Coach Certification
• CPR/AED
• First Aid
• Oxygen Administration
• Child Abuse Prevention
• Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving
• Safe Sport requirements

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