Swim Instructor - Bob Sierra Family YMCA

Under the direction of the Aquatic Director, the Swim Instructor teaches swim techniques, skills and water safety to participants of various ages and skill levels based on YMCA of the USA Aquatics Program Guidelines. The Swim Instructor will consistently exhibit behaviors and attitudes that are consistent with the YMCA Mission and policies of the Association.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare and follow lesson plans for each session which are appropriate for the age and skill level of students
• Complete all necessary paperwork and record keeping (i.e. skill sheets, attendance, and progress reports)
• Create a positive learning environment through personal enthusiasm and excitement
• Prepare pool with necessary equipment prior to class ensuring the equipment is clean and in working order
• Maintain a safe instructional environment, reports accidents/incidents promptly and maintains order and discipline during classes
• Communicate with members/participants before and/or after class to provide information or answer questions
• Establish and maintain a professional image and rapport with members and participants
• Return equipment upon completion of class and reports repairs/maintenance needed and cleans area as appropriate
• Perform rescues and emergency procedures in accordance with facility polices and certification requirements
• Maintain accurate record of hours worked and be responsible for finding substitutes for absences
• Engage in positive public relations with participants, members and guest ensuring a positive experience
• Adhere to the Association operating policies, procedures and best practices by operating the programs within the guidelines set forth by the Tampa YMCA and YUSA Swim Lesson Program guidance
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures regarding the safety, health and welfare of members, program participants, guests and staff; responds to emergency situations in accordance to facility policies and certification requirements
• Attend and actively participate in all trainings, staff meetings/in-services as assigned
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Education/Experience Required:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Proficient in the water as determined by passing a swim test
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and experience of swimming techniques and practices
• Experience with active listening techniques and interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop positive, authentic relationships with groups and/or individuals from different backgrounds
• Represent the YMCA in a positive manner

Certifications/Trainings Required:

• Must possess and maintain current YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification
• Must possess and maintain current CPR/AED (in compliance with YSL certification), First Aid, and Oxygen
• May be asked to acquire additional certifications as required by the Aquatics Director or designee

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job includes, but not limited to:

• The employee frequently is required to remain alert, with no lapses in consciousness
• The employee frequently is required to see, observe, and hear all participants, and make sound judgments and decisions
• Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting the voice across distances (in normal and loud situations), and communicate swiftly and effectively with lifeguards, staff, emergency personnel and members
• Ability to observe all areas of the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility, and hear noises and recognize victims in distress
• Remain in or around designated aquatic areas at all times
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move to various locations, sit and/or stand for extended periods, including in and around elevated chair
• Ability to direct and control the activities of others, to work under specific instructions, work alone and under stressful conditions
• Ability to crouch and bend at the waist and knees
• Ability to physically and mentally perform all needed rescues, removals (in and out of the water) and survival skills, including administering CPR/AED, First Aid and Oxygen effectively
• Must have flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances
• Ability to lift and move a minimum of 50 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, specifically those subject to extreme humidity/dampness, heat and cold
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

This position may require availability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed