Swim Lesson Instructor

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas•Hampton, VA

13d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the designated supervisor, the Swim Lesson Instructor teaches participants proper swimming strokes and techniques, as well as safety in and around the water. In keeping with the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ mission, policies, and goals, the instructor emphasizes high-quality service and works with staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage members, guests, and staff. The instructor teaches assigned swim lesson groups, tracks each student’s progress, prepares equipment and certificates, communicates with participants, and helps maintain a safe environment. The role also includes following emergency and mandated abuse-reporting procedures, maintaining certifications, attending scheduled meetings and trainings, and supporting YMCA programs and fundraising efforts. Other reasonably related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Be at least 16 years of age.
Hold CPR, First Aid, AED, and O2 certifications.
Complete and maintain required trainings, including New Employee Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Sexual Harassment training, upon hire and annually thereafter.
Satisfactorily complete a criminal background check and Child Protective Services check.
Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints.
Ability to pass the lifeguard water test and meet requirements of ongoing drills.
Ability to remain alert.
Ability to 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; cross over to or obtain YMCA Lifeguarding certification within six months of hire.
Red Cross Water Safety Instructor or YMCA Swim Lesson certification; cross over to or obtain YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Support the YMCA’s mission, vision, and goals.
Promote a professional work environment by modeling the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Lead in a manner that advances the YMCA’s community-building cause through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs.
Teach in-water swim lessons to assigned participants for scheduled sessions.
Ensure equipment and supplies are accessible before class begins.
Maintain a skills checklist for each student throughout each session.
Know the skills in the swim levels for which 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 scheduled staff meetings and trainings.
Lead in emergency situations 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, including Annual Support and United Way Campaigns.
Carry out other related duties assigned by the Aquatics Department or center operations to support an excellent member experience.