Assistant Swim Coach

Position summary

Under the general supervision of the Head Swim Coach, the Assistant Swim Coach supports the development of swimmers across all levels in the competitive swim program. This role contributes to a positive team culture by designing and implementing effective practices, teaching proper technique, fostering sportsmanship, and supporting swimmers at meets to ensure a safe, engaging, and growth-oriented environment that aligns with the YMCA mission and values.

Essential functions

• Lead and supervise age group and/or senior practices as assigned by the Head Coach to ensure consistent skill development, athlete safety, and adherence to training plans that promote individual and team improvement.
• Collaborate with the Head Coach to design and deliver engaging, level-appropriate workouts that develop stroke technique, endurance, and race strategies, resulting in measurable swimmer progress and readiness for competition.
• Write daily and weekly workout sets tailored to each age group and skill level to provide balanced training cycles that build confidence, promote improvement, and maintain athlete motivation.
• Observe swimmers during practice and competition, providing coaching and constructive feedback and stroke instruction to enhance performance, correct inefficiencies, and encourage continued personal growth. Communicate progress with parents and the Head Coach to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Attend scheduled swim meets, including travel events, and assist with entries, timing, and team coordination to ensure smooth operations and positive athlete experiences at competitions.
• Prepare swimmers for races through structured warm-ups, race strategy discussions, and post-race feedback to reinforce learning, improve performance, and strengthen team cohesion.
• Follow all YMCA, USA Swimming, and league rules, regulations, and safety protocols to maintain a safe, inclusive, and compliant environment for all athletes and spectators.

Non-Essential functions

• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Follow all YMCA abuse prevention and risk management policies, including required trainings, mandated reporting, and monitoring of high-risk areas.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication, leadership and interpersonal skills required.
• Knowledge of swim stroke mechanics, training cycles and age-appropriate athletic development required.
• Previous competitive swimming and/or coaching experience required. Experience working with age group swimmers (6-18) preferred.
• Current CPR, First Aid and SafeSport certifications required. USA Swimming or ASCA Level 1 or higher Certification preferred.
• Familiarity with swim meet software and team management tools (e.g. TeamUnify, HY-Tek) preferred.

Competencies

• Accountability: Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results. Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility. Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures.
• Teamwork and
• Collaboration: Works cooperatively with others, sharing ideas and supporting team goals to create a cohesive and motivated swim program environment.
• Leadership: Models YMCA core values, provides positive guidance and motivation, and demonstrates ethical conduct to influence others toward excellence in and out of the pool.