Lead Swim Instructor - Peninsula Y

YMCA•San Mateo, CA

34d•$27 - $32•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Swim Instructor supports the supervision and evaluation of swim instructor staff during group lessons. They oversee both weekday and weekend group swim lessons and may be required to instruct in place of an absent swim lesson instructor. The Lead Swim Instructor ensures the safety and cleanliness of the aquatic environment, maintains pool operations, and coordinates training sessions while tracking certifications. This role requires a positive, professional, and respectful attitude when engaging with a diverse population of members and staff. The Lead Swim Instructor upholds the YMCA Mission through programs that emphasize youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The position requires sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to collaborate effectively with members, staff, and volunteers. A strong understanding of aquatics is essential, along with the ability to communicate the YMCA aquatics program philosophy and motivate others.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
1+ year of experience in teaching swim lessons
YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Certification (YSLI)
YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Trainer Certification (YSLIT)
American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO)
American Red Cross First Aid certification
American Red Cross Emergency Oxygen Administration certification
YMCA Lifeguard Supervisor certification
Availability to work Sunday to Thursday
Must be available to work 40 hours per week including:
20 hours of frontline duties and 20 hours of administrative work.
Position does not exceed 40 hours per week.
Basic proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Google Drive.

Nice To Haves

1+ year of supervisory experience.
Previous experience in competitive swimming.
Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other languages.
Additional relevant certifications (e.g., YASA, ARC Lifeguard, ARC WSI, USA Swimming Coach, ASCA).

Responsibilities

Instruct swimming lessons from the water, demonstrating familiarity with water to teach novice students basic skills.
Ensure all swimming lessons are taught in accordance with YMCA standards to maintain quality and consistency.
Provide excellent service to swim lesson participants and engage YMCA members at the facility.
Utilize active listening and motivational interviewing to address member and participant concerns and manage conflict.
Promote YMCA Aquatics programming, stay informed about available offerings, and encourage member participation.
Serve as a leader on the pool deck, ensuring staff follow policies and procedures while delivering excellent customer service.
Provide constructive feedback to Swim Lesson Instructors to ensure adherence to policies and procedures, contributing to staff development.
Collaborate with Swim Instructor Trainers and other lead staff to plan and conduct in-services, audits, evaluations, certification tracking, and compliance requirements.
Lead onboarding and certification training, including YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor courses.
Attend required staff meetings and training; plan and lead in-service sessions and other aquatic training.
Complete monthly instructor observations
Maintain physical readiness to assist Lifeguards in an aquatic emergency.
Remain alert to non-swimmers being supervised and share responsibility for their safety in the pool.
Manage emergency situations to ensure proper care, notification of emergency contacts, and activation of the branch chain of command.
Collaborate in organizing Safety Around Water week components.
Review and adjust the swim instructor schedule to ensure adequate coverage.
Arrive on time for shifts and adhere to the scheduling policy, or arrange for substitutes if needed, unless directed otherwise by the supervisor.
Provide coverage for swim instructors as needed
Coordinate with the Aquatics Program Coordinator for all swim lessons and swim team needs
Assist in creating and implementing communication/customer service plans for swim lesson parents and participants.
Communicate effectively with branch staff and inform the Aquatics Director and or Program Coordinator of any concerns.
Keep aquatics and member services staff updated on programming.
Evaluate programs based on consistent feedback from participants and implement necessary changes.
Maintain cleanliness and safety of the aquatic environment, equipment, and areas, including offices and supply areas.
Monitor and maintain teaching materials and supplies.
Complete required records, such as swim instructor observation forms, lesson rosters, level recommendations, new hire checklists, and audit tracking.