Water Polo Coach

Family YMCA of the Desert•Palm Desert, CA

3d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Polo Coach provides instruction, leadership, and motivation to participants in the YMCA water polo program under the general supervision of the Aquatics Coordinator. The coach creates a positive, inclusive, and safe learning environment where participants can develop fundamental water polo skills, build confidence and comfort in the water, and learn teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. The program initially focuses on recreational participation and skill development, with opportunities to progress into a more competitive environment as the program grows. The coach maintains appropriate participant supervision, follows YMCA aquatics safety procedures, and promotes a safe and engaging experience. The position is part-time and is based at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center in Palm Desert, California. The listed hourly salary range is $23.00–$25.00, with travel of up to 25% and any job shift.

Requirements

Previous water polo playing experience required.
Previous water polo coaching or instructional experience required.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Ability to demonstrate and teach fundamental water polo skills and techniques.
Ability to organize and conduct structured practices appropriate to participants’ skill levels.
Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive, professional relationships with participants and families.
Ability to maintain appropriate participant supervision and follow established aquatics safety procedures.
Ability to work independently within established program guidelines and seek supervisory assistance when appropriate.
Ability to maintain accurate program records and complete required reports.
Current CPR/AED certification for the Professional Rescuer, or the YMCA-approved equivalent required by the organization.
Any additional lifeguarding, first aid, or aquatic safety certifications required by the YMCA for assigned duties must be maintained as applicable.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct water polo practices in accordance with YMCA program guidelines, established schedules, and applicable safety procedures.
Organize structured practices that promote skill development, participation, and age-appropriate learning.
Introduce participants to fundamental water polo rules, positions, movements, strategies, and game concepts.
Demonstrate and teach basic water polo skills, including ball handling, passing, shooting, positioning, and team formations.
Adapt instruction to participants’ abilities, experience, and developmental needs.
Encourage participation, sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and positive behavior; provide constructive feedback and motivational support.
Maintain appropriate participant supervision during practices and related program activities.
Follow YMCA aquatics safety procedures, emergency action plans, participant supervision requirements, child abuse prevention policies, professional boundaries, reporting requirements, and participant protection procedures.
Monitor participant behavior and activity, promptly address unsafe conditions, and communicate safety concerns to the Aquatics Coordinator.
Respond appropriately to accidents, injuries, emergencies, and other incidents within the scope of training and certification.
Complete required incident, accident, and other program reports accurately and promptly.
Maintain accurate attendance, participation, and progress records as required.
Communicate information about aquatics programs, schedules, and related services, and refer participants to appropriate programs when needed.
Set up, organize, clean, and store program equipment before and after practices; inspect it for visible damage or safety concerns and promptly report issues to the Aquatics Coordinator.
Attend required staff meetings, in-service sessions, and trainings as scheduled.
Build positive, professional relationships with participants, families, members, and coworkers; respond to questions and concerns courteously and promptly, referring matters outside the role’s scope to the appropriate supervisor.
Promote teamwork and cooperation among Aquatics staff and other YMCA departments, demonstrate YMCA values, and support departmental goals.
Follow established policies, procedures, work practices, and safety requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.