Swim Instructor

Swimming Instructor

Provides direct leadership, instruction and motivation for students in swimming classes. Instructs in beginning to advanced swimming and safety skills according to age group and class swim level. Provides a quality experience to students and parents focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Represents the YMCA and self in a professional manner of safety and fun. The Y is currently looking for someone with experience in adaptive swim lessons to help provide our adapted swim lessons.

Essential Functions:

• Promote a positive environment that fosters fun, safety and our YMCA values.
• Treat every student fairly and equally regardless of circumstances and abilities, making each feel good about themselves and encouraging a fun environment.
• Accentuate positive attributes nurturing the whole; physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Give praise for effort.
• Encourage member and parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers.
• Maintain good public relations with members and always represent the best interests of the YMCA.
• Arrive with ample time to report to position at the scheduled time.
• Be responsible and fulfill your commitments to scheduled shifts. Notify a supervisor personally and in a timely manner if you are unable to meet your commitment. This includes illness and extenuating circumstances.
• Participate in staff meetings as required.
• Participate in trainings as required. The Y requires specific certifications and will provide the training that's required. Additional training sessions on related subjects will be held, and attendance is required.
• Assume other responsibilities as mutually agreed upon with a supervisor.

Swim Instruction:

• Instruct swimming lessons in basic and advanced stroke skills according to class swim level as assigned in accordance with YMCA guidelines.
• Possess the knowledge and skills needed to instruct classes in the above-mentioned techniques.
• Teach and demonstrate in a positive manner.
• Actively teach your classes in the water, give clear directions and provide adequate demonstrations.
• Arrive to your shift prepared with a lesson plan that meets the curriculum of the National YMCA Swim Program and with the necessary equipment for the lesson.
• Prepare class lesson plans with a natural progression of appropriate skills for the abilities and ages of the classes.
• Insure the safety of swim lesson students at all times while instructing by never turning your back on them, setting up class in a formation that allows you quick access to all students and keeping the walkways and exit areas clean and clear.
• Monitor student progress in all classes. Report progress to the program director and inquiring parents.
• Be available before and after class to speak with parents.
• Assist the aquatics program in answering parent questions and concerns, and enforce all safety rules and regulations of the pool.
• Find a substitute teacher if one is needed or show for class if there is not one available.
• Keep accurate records of attendance and skills covered on a daily basis.
• Train and supervise class aides as assigned.
• Incorporate the YMCA values and mission statement in the teaching of classes.

Safety:

• Dress according to YMCA dress code, having on the appropriate shirt and nametag. Dress in appropriate athletic attire.
• Double-check the clothing safety of all participants for jewelry, gum, and clothing violations that can result in injury.
• Double-check and set-up all equipment prior to class.
• Know the location of the first aid kit, nearest phone, and incident reports. Maintain current certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Ensure emergency procedures are followed, and notify supervisor of any incidents and accidents immediately.
• Organize and put away needed class equipment. Report damaged equipment.

Ambassador:

• Understand our YMCA's mission, goals, objectives and programs to relay that information to inquiring families and participants.
• Understand the financial assistance given to members comes from our Annual Campaign. Assist staff in helping to identify those individuals that may be interested in serving as a campaigner for and a donor to these efforts.
• Convey information on aquatics programs and schedules and as appropriate refers members and participants to other programs.

Additional Duties:

• Model our YMCA values through fun, positive relationships with staff and members. Seek every opportunity to encourage, motivate and thank fellow staff members for their work.
• Be enthusiastic toward members and staff by learning their names and expressing an interest in their YMCA activities. Strive to enrich their YMCA experience by introducing them to new programs, staff, members and volunteer activities.
• Incorporate "Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility" into all aspects of the position, to ensure YMCA values are being integrated into our culture and programs.
• Maintain a consistent professional image through dress, actions and relationships with others. Speak enthusiastically on behalf of the YMCA at given opportunities.
• Participate in applicable training and conferences to further professional growth as outlined in annual training plans.

Requirements:

• Minimum age of 16.
• Must be an active person - "in water" type person preferred.
• Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards. Experience preferred. Looking for adapted swim experience specifically.
• Positive attitude and ability to work with young children.
• Interested in broadening swimming skills and knowledge.
• Certifications preferred: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid certification. YMCA Swim Instructor certification or equivalent.
• Physical Demands:
• Ability to instruct and observe participants in proper stroke techniques.
• Ability to lift equipment, and to lift a small to average size child.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.
• Mission Advancement- Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values.
• Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.
• Collaboration- Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations.
• Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others. Operational Effectiveness- Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, and plans work. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Personal Growth- Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.