Aquatics Specialist

Penobscot Bay YMCA • Rockport, ME

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Penobscot Bay YMCA in Rockport, Maine, is seeking Aquatics Specialists to work as lifeguards and swim instructors. The role combines maintaining swimmer safety with teaching children and adults to swim and supporting aquatic programs. Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available, with schedules that may include mornings, evenings, and weekends. Qualified candidates who successfully pass required tests may receive free lifeguard and swim instructor certification training. Pay is based on experience, qualifications, and scheduled hours: part-time starts at $19.50 per hour, while full-time pay is $21.50–$25.50 per hour, with eligible benefits. Benefits vary by employment status and current YMCA policies and may include paid time off, YMCA membership, and additional full-time benefits. Lifeguarding and swim instruction are separate assignments; employees are not expected to provide active lifeguard surveillance while teaching lessons.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Current YMCA Lifeguard certification or equivalent accepted by the YMCA.
• Current YMCA Swim Lessons Instructor certification or equivalent accepted by the YMCA.
• Current professional rescuer CPR/AED or basic life support certification, and first aid.
• Ability to demonstrate required lifeguarding, rescue, and swim instruction skills.
• Strong communication skills and a positive, professional attitude.
• Willingness to complete required YMCA onboarding and child abuse prevention training within two weeks of hire.
• Reliable, encouraging, safety-conscious, and passionate about helping others.

Nice To Haves

• No additional preferred qualifications are specified.

Responsibilities

• Maintain active surveillance of assigned swimming areas and enforce pool safety rules.
• Respond promptly and professionally to emergencies in accordance with training and certifications.
• Teach engaging group and private swim lessons using YMCA curriculum.
• Adapt lessons to swimmers of different ages, abilities, and comfort levels.
• Encourage swimmers, celebrate their progress, and help build confidence in the water.
• Maintain accurate attendance and swimming skill records.
• Communicate positively with participants, families, and fellow team members.
• Help maintain clean, organized, and safe aquatic areas.
• Support aquatic programming and scheduling needs as assigned.
• Participate in required training and maintain necessary certifications.

Benefits

• Free lifeguard and swim instructor certification training for qualified candidates who successfully pass the required tests.
• Paid time off for eligible employees, according to employment status and current YMCA policies.
• YMCA membership for eligible employees, according to employment status and current YMCA policies.
• Additional full-time benefits for eligible employees, according to current YMCA policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed