Holyoke YMCA·Holyoke, Massachusetts
The swim instructor provides direct leadership, instruction, and motivation for students in swimming classes while ensuring adherence to YMCA guidelines and preparing necessary lesson plans. Responsibilities also include developing positive relationships with participants, maintaining records, and following all organizational policies and safety procedures.
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 provides direct leadership, instruction, and motivation for students in swimming classes. 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 and 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: 1. Instructs swimming lessons as assigned in accordance with YMCA guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly. 2. Develops positive relationships with members and participants and provides motivational support and guidance. 3. Encourages member and parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers. 4. Conveys information on aquatics programs and schedules and as appropriate refers members and participants to other programs. 5. Maintains records as required (i.e. attendance, progress reports, etc.). 6. Attends staff meetings and trainings as scheduled. 7. Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary. 8. Organizes and puts away needed class equipment. Reports damaged equipment. 9. Trains and supervises class aides as assigned.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: · Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause. · Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence. · Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment. · Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role. · Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community. · Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs. · Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential. · Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.
· Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid certification · Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards. · YMCA Swim Instructor certification or equivalent is a plus · Must be at least 16 years of age · YMCA Leader Certification within 6 months · Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations. WORK ENVIRONMENT & 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. · Ability to instruct and observe participants in proper stroke techniques · Ability to lift equipment, and to lift a small to average size child
Market context
In Massachusetts, swim instructor openings often reflect steady demand from pools, YMCAs, and community programs, especially where youth lessons and water-safety instruction are priorities. This role is competitive because it requires current CPR, AED, Basic First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications, plus the ability to demonstrate YMCA-standard strokes and skills. Before applying, confirm your certifications are current and note that the job requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original posting, which can save you research time.