Safety Around Water (SAW) Program Assistant

Description

Job Summary: As a Safety Around Water (SAW) Program Assistant at the YMCA, you will be responsible for guiding second-grade students in St. Cloud Area School District 742 in the Safety Around Water Program. Safety Around Water introduces children to basic swimming skills and essential water safety concepts in a group-based class. Students learn how to recognize safe places to swim, practice foundational swim skills, and build confidence in a supportive, fun environment.

At the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA, we are united in a sincere desire to live out our great Mission. To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Together, we pledge to do this daily, in our actions and interactions, with staff, members and guests of the YMCA, by serving, caring, and loving. To serve is to meet physical needs through our facility, programs, and responsive actions to questions or requests. To care is to meet emotional needs by engaging in genuine conversation, listening with intention, and developing relationships. To love is to provide opportunities for connection and service by keeping the Y a safe and welcoming place for all.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead and facilitate group Safety Around Water classes for 2nd grade students
• Provide in-water instruction and supervision for multiple students at a time (not 1:1 instruction)
• Teach basic swim skills and fundamental water safety concepts
• Support student engagement and safety throughout each class
• Prepare and organize supplies and equipment prior to sessions
• Assist with basic administrative and setup tasks on the front end of the program
• Maintain a positive, encouraging atmosphere for all participants
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be certified in current CPR-PR, AED, First Aid within 60 days.
• Comfortable leading group instruction in the water with children
• Ability to follow safety protocols
• Ability to confidently engage a class of students
• Experience working with youth or in aquatic programs preferred (but not required)
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain (training may be provided)
• Exercises mature judgments and sound decision-making.
• Dependable, punctual and flexible with the willingness to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Friendly and professional demeanor when interacting with others, promoting a positive and safe environment.
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands: The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee may encounter and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• The work environment can be noisy, with sounds of pool activity and swimmers.
• Exposure to pool chemicals, such as chlorine, is common.
• Temperatures are controlled indoors but may be humid due to the nature of the pool environment.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to supervise program activities.
• Ability to spend a significant amount of time in the pool, leading lessons, demonstrating techniques, and providing hands-on assistance to swimmers.
• Strong swimming skills and the ability to demonstrate various strokes (e.g., freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly) to students, often for extended periods.
• Ability to assist less-skilled swimmers in and out of the pool or help them with specific movements, requiring physical strength and the ability to support swimmers in a safe and effective manner.
• Possess good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to demonstrate swimming techniques, adjust equipment, and help swimmers with their form or technique.
• Highly observant to ensure the safety of all participants, recognizing potential risks and responding promptly to any safety concerns. Good vision and hearing are necessary for both monitoring swimmers and giving clear instructions.
• Must be able to bend, kneel, crouch, or reach in various positions to assist swimmers, provide first aid, or perform rescues.
• Ability to climb ladders and steps.
  
  

Job Functions: Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities you may be required to perform. The omission of specific descriptions of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or can be considered essential to this position. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Acknowledgement: I have read and understand this job description and fully understand the requirements set forth herein. I agree to abide by the requirements set forth and to perform all duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability. I understand that my employment is at-will and that this job description does not constitute an employment contract.

Employee Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Employer Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _____________________