Swim Lesson Instructor

Every child has the ability and deserves to learn to swim.  Are you interested in working with the Dane County youth and instilling these life long skills?  You will receive a free Y membership.  

Under the direction of the Aquatic Director, the Swim Instructor actively provides premier member service and safe, motivating aquatic instruction with an emphasis on member engagement in accordance with the mission, strategic plan, goals and all policies and procedures of the YMCA of Dane County, Inc. and the YUSA Best Practices.

You will provide high quality, safe and motivating instruction based on class descriptions and feedback.

Facilitate socialization, participation and interaction of all participants through active involvement in safe, fun and developmentally appropriate activities; provide adaptations based on individual needs and utilizes positive behavior guidance techniques with participants.

Become familiar with the basic class format designs and follows the appropriate format when teaching. Prepare appropriate lesson plans and follows YMCA guidelines.

Maintain accountability of all assigned participants at all times by accurately documenting attendance and performing accountability checks regularly throughout class. Ensure the safety of all members and guests.

Know and review all safety rules and emergency procedures. Promote and enforce safe behaviors and respond to emergency situations immediately in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Complete related reports as required.

Create a supportive and uplifting community environment. Facilitate the development of small communities, helping members to connect with other members.

Know and understand aquatics programs and department policies and is able to clearly explain said information to members. Communicate clearly and professionally with members, guests, supervisor, and co-workers as needed.

Respect the confidentiality of all members, volunteers and staff at all times.

Maintain an organized, healthy and safe environment by returning all supplies and equipment to its appropriate place. Performs required safety, cleanliness and maintenance checks, take the necessary precautions to prevent accidents, and report any concerns to supervisor.

Arrive 10 minutes prior to class start time prepared with a positive attitude, appropriate attire and needed equipment; sets-up, greet members and take attendance. Attend all mandatory staff meetings and all required YMCA staff training's. 

Must be at least 16 years of age. High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Current Lifeguard certification and YMCA Swim Instructor certification or equivalent preferred. Requires the ability to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards and at least one year experience as a swim instructor or the willingness to co-teach with an experienced instructor for two sessions.

Requires ability to effectively interact with, lead, and motivate members who have a variety of abilities and needs. Ability to maintain certification level of physical and mental readiness at all times.

Flexibility in scheduling is preferred.

Possess or obtain within the indicated time frame the following certifications and keep all certifications current:
CPR/AED and First Aid certification required within 30 days of hire.
Y Orientation, Child Abuse Prevention, and Blood Borne Pathogen training required within 60 days of hire.

This position requires sufficient strength, agility and mobility to move about the deck, perform essential functions of position, safely supervise aquatics activities, and directly respond to safety issues and/or emergency in 82 degree chlorinated water and the warm, humid environment of a pool. Requires the ability to perform all physical aspects of the position, including the ability to swim proficiently, sit or stand for extended periods of times, repetitive actions, cardiovascular exertion, performing and maintaining aerobic exercise, full body movement (bending, kneeling, stretching, reaching, jumping, etc.) May require the ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs. Requires adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals. Must be able to communicate clearly and project voice. Ability to work independently with general supervision, as well as part of a team. Must possess reliable transportation for travel to program sites, meetings and training's when required.