Swim Instructor

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas•Hampton, VA

20d•$15 - $18

About The Position

The Swim Instructor teaches participants proper swimming strokes and techniques, as well as safety in and around the water. Under the supervision of the designated supervisor, the instructor supports the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ mission, policies, and goals, and works with staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage members, guests, and staff. The role emphasizes high-quality service and a safe, positive environment. The instructor teaches assigned swim lesson groups, prepares equipment and supplies, tracks each student’s progress, communicates with participants, and distributes certificates at the end of sessions. The instructor maintains relevant certifications, follows safety and reporting procedures, participates in meetings and trainings, and supports YMCA programs and fundraising efforts. Other related duties may be assigned by the Aquatics Department and center operations.

Requirements

Must be at least 16 years of age.
CPR, First Aid, AED, and O2 certification.
Complete and maintain required trainings, including New Employee Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Sexual Harassment training upon hire and annually thereafter.
Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and Child Protective Services check.
Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints.
Ability to pass a lifeguard water test and meet ongoing drill requirements.
Ability to remain alert and sit or stand for extended periods.
Adequate hearing to detect noises and distinguish distress signals.
Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.
Ability to communicate verbally and project one’s voice across a distance in normal and loud situations.

Nice To Haves

Red Cross Lifeguarding or YMCA Lifeguarding certification is preferred; crossover or certification to YMCA Lifeguarding is required within six months of hire.
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor or YMCA Swim Lesson certification is preferred; crossover or certification as a YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor is required within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Support the YMCA’s mission, vision, and goals.
Promote a professional work environment by modeling caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Lead in a manner that advances the YMCA’s work in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Teach in-water swim lessons to assigned participants for scheduled sessions and attend without absence.
Ensure equipment and supplies are accessible before class begins.
Maintain a skills checklist for each student throughout each session.
Know the skills associated with the swim levels the instructor is certified to teach.
Answer questions and communicate participants’ progress.
Wear an approved one-piece swimsuit or professional attire when appropriate.
Follow mandated abuse-reporting requirements.
Prepare certificates for distribution on the final day of the session.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
Act as a leader in emergencies and report accidents or incidents according to the Emergency Communication Action Plan.
Help ensure members, guests, and program participants are in a safe environment and follow the center Emergency Operations Plan.
Maintain all relevant certifications and follow association standard guidelines.
Promote and participate in YMCA fundraising efforts, including Annual Support and United Way Campaigns.
Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by the Aquatics Department and center operations.
Help achieve membership growth and retention, member satisfaction, a positive YMCA image, a pleasant staff environment, strengthened relationships, facility safety and cleanliness, and department quality standards.