YMCA of the Sandhills·Linden Oaks, North Carolina
The Swim Instructor creates a safe and welcoming environment while providing direct leadership and instruction for group and private swimming lessons. They are also responsible for maintaining pool safety and assisting the Aquatic Safety Team during emergency situations.
A YMCA Swim Instructor (YSI) creates a safe, positive, welcoming environment. A YSI respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe program conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas in accordance with YMCA and the YMCA of the USA swim lesson curriculum. This role provides direct leadership, instruction and motivation for students and families in group and private lessons, working with a variety of ages and abilities. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Ensures a safe, welcoming environment for all swimmers during class utilizing proper supervision and body position techniques, enforcing pool rules and discipline, and maintaining structure during lessons. As members of the Aquatic Safety Team, assists Lifeguards with implementation of the Emergency Action Plan in emergency situations including but not limited to clearing the pool, retrieving the AED, calling EMS, providing emergency medical response with CPR, AED, and/or First Aid. Instructs swimming lessons in accordance with YMCA guidelines by developing detailed lesson plans and executing appropriate learning activities. Builds effective, authentic relationships with students and parents; helps them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers. Conveys information on aquatics programs and schedules and as appropriate refers students and parents to other programs. Maintains records as required (i.e. attendance, progress reports, etc.). Attends staff meetings and training as scheduled. Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary. Maintains certifications as required by the certifying agency and the YMCA guidelines. Organizes and puts away needed class equipment. Reports damaged equipment. Trains and supervises class aides as assigned. YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader): Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
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.Qualifications
Qualifications:
Minimum age of 16 years
Certifications: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and YMCA Swim Instructor certifications all required (training and certification can be provided) Must be proficient in 4 of the 6 swim strokes taught in the YMCA Swim Lessons Curriculum - freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, elementary backstroke, and/or side stroke. Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. Knowledge of and experience with children preferred.
Physical
DEMANDS: Physically and proficiently perform all skills required of a YMCA Swim Instructor Ability to verbally lead group activities. Adequate mobility, sight and hearing to effectively supervise program participants. Sufficient strength and agility to perform essential functions of position including the ability to lift a child who weighs approximately 50 pounds. Ability to instruct, demonstrate and observe participants in proper stroke techniques.
Candidates must be at least 16 years old and proficient in at least 4 of the 6 YMCA swim strokes. Required certifications include CPR for Professional Rescuers, AED, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen, and YMCA Swim Instructor certification.
Market context
In North Carolina, roles like this are typically driven by steady demand from employers that need safe, adaptable exercise coaching for diverse client needs. Competition often centers on certification, hands-on coaching skill, and the ability to adjust routines for medical conditions while meeting safety standards. If you plan to apply, confirm your nationally recognized Personal Trainer Certification and be ready to complete First Aid/CPR/AED within 90 days; this platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits are pulled from the original posting to save research time.