The Assistant Coach supports the Head Coach by assisting in planning and leading swim team practices, providing direct instruction and feedback to improve swimmer technique, speed, and endurance. This role also involves preparing swimmers for meets, offering on-deck coaching during competitions, and fostering a positive team culture aligned with YMCA values.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 18 years old, possess strong knowledge of swimming strokes and training principles, and have previous experience as a competitive swimmer or swim coach. Required certifications (CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen) must be obtained within 60 days of employment.
Interpersonal SkillsCoachingCommunicationLeadershipCollaborationInstructionFeedbackTeam CultureSportsmanshipPerformance AssessmentTraining Program ImplementationTechnique CorrectionRace StrategyMental Preparation
Job description
Job DetailsJob Location
Northwest
Family
YMCA -
Irmo,
SC 29063Position
Type:
Part
TimeSalary
Range: $14.00 - $16.00
HourlyPOSITION
SUMMARY: The Swim Team Assistant Coach is responsible for working closely with the Head Coach to develop and implement training programs, provide instruction, and feedback to swimmers, and support the overall success of the YMCA swim team.
Essential
FUNCTIONS: Assist the Head Coach in planning and leading swim team practices, including warm-ups, drills, technique work, and conditioning exercises. Provide hands-on instruction, feedback, and encouragement to swimmers to improve their stroke technique, speed, and endurance. Work with swimmers individually or in small groups to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Provide personalized coaching and technique corrections to help swimmers achieve their individual goals and reach their full potential in competition. Assist in preparing swimmers for swim meets, including reviewing meet schedules, entry deadlines, and event selections. Help swimmers develop race strategies, mental preparation techniques, and pre-race routines to maximize performance and confidence on race day. Attend swim meets as scheduled to support swimmers, provide coaching on deck, and offer encouragement and feedback during races. Help coordinate warm-ups, relay teams, and race logistics to ensure a smooth and successful meet experience for swimmers and families. Foster a positive team culture and supportive atmosphere among swimmers, coaches, and parents. Encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among team members, and lead by example in demonstrating YMCA values of honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Maintain open and regular communication with swimmers, parents, and coaching staff regarding practice schedules, meet information, team updates, and performance feedback. Respond promptly to inquiries, concerns, and feedback from swimmers and parents in a professional and supportive manner. Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and techniques in swimming and coaching through ongoing education, training, and professional development opportunities. Continuously seek to improve coaching skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in supporting swimmers’ development and success. Perform other duties as assigned.
YMCA
COMPETENCIES: Mission Advancement - Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising. Collaboration - Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others. Operational Effectiveness - Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. Personal Growth - Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS: Minimum age of 18. Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively as a part of a coaching team and with swimmers of all ages and abilities. Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate swim team practices and competitions. Strong knowledge of swimming strokes, techniques, and training principles. USA Swimming Coach certification preferred. Previous experience as a competitive swimmer and/or swim coach required.
Certifications required within 60 days of employment: CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen.
Ability to complete the following within 30 days of hire: Child Abuse Prevention training; Bloodborne Pathogens and Sexual Harassment training. Passion for the YMCA mission and commitment to serving the community.
WORK
Environment &
Physical
DEMANDS: Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the position, including walking, standing, bending, reaching and lifting up to 50 lbs. at a time.
Market context
Swim coaching roles stay locally competitive
In South Carolina, Swim Team Assistant Coach openings are often driven by school, club, and seasonal program needs, so candidates with competitive swimming backgrounds and current safety credentials tend to stand out. This role is competitive because employers usually want strong stroke knowledge, coaching experience, and the ability to complete CPR, First Aid, AED, and Oxygen certifications within 60 days. Before applying, compare the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform with the original posting so you can quickly confirm fit and save research time.
