POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Swim Instructor at an Akron Area YMCA creates and maintains a safe, supportive, and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and provides direct leadership, instruction, and motivation for students in swim classes with an emphasis on water safety.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Instructs swimming lessons in accordance with YMCA guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly, and supports members and program participants in achieving their goals while maintaining constant supervision of class participants.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, members or program participants, and colleagues at all levels of the organization; helps participants and families connect with each other and the YMCA; and encourages parent or caregiver involvement.
• Conveys information about aquatics programs and schedules while referring program participants and families to other programs.
• Patiently provides positive feedback and reinforcement in response to students learning and practicing skills using positive and simple language to support learning.
• Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
• Remains calm and objective when under pressure or when challenged by others.
• Reports to class at least five minutes before the start time of scheduled shift to set-up, tear down, and organize all equipment. Reports damaged equipment.
• Starts and ends the lesson within five minutes of scheduled time, covers all lesson content, wears professional swim attire and/or rash guard, and gets in the water with students.
• Secures a qualified substitute well in advance, provides substitute with progress tracker and lesson plan, and notifies Supervisor.
• Maintains records as required by the YMCA in a timely manner (e.g., progress trackers, mid-session reports, and certificates of achievement).
• Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Trains and supervises class aides as assigned.
• Attend all scheduled meetings and training sessions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 15
• Certifications: Basic life support or professional rescuer CPR/AED, first aid, and emergency oxygen administration
• Current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification, or equivalent
• Child abuse prevention training within 90 days of hire date
• Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness
• Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards