YMCA of San Diego County·San Diego, California
The Swim Coach is responsible for leading engaging swim practices, providing technique analysis, and ensuring a safe environment for all participants. They also coordinate swim meets and maintain consistent communication with athletes and their families.
Overview Swim Coach The Swim Coach is responsible for coaching swimmers through engaging practices, helping them fine-tune their skills, and supporting their growth both in and out of the pool. The Swim Coach will model the values and mission of the YMCA, fostering a positive environment where participants thrive. The Swim Coach will participate in delivering effective communication with participants and parents is essential, and will always approach it with a friendly, encouraging attitude, while upholding the core values and mission of the YMCA, ensuring a positive and inclusive environment for swimmers, staff, and families. For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org) Schedule: Part-Time - Must be available Mon-Fri from 4pm-6:15pm and every other weekend for swim meets
Actively monitors all participants during practices and meets to ensure a safe environment, strictly enforcing pool rules and YMCA safety protocols. Provides consistent technique analysis and corrective feedback, utilizing various teaching methods (demonstration, verbal cues, and drills) to improve athlete performance. Schedules and hosts home and away swim meets in coordination with swimming staff and participants. Oversees the preparation and readiness of the swim workout area for daily practices and team events. Leads structured warm-up and cool-down routines, incorporating swim-specific stretching and mobility exercises. Assesses the individual needs of participants to support their development and competitive performance. Maintains effective communication with athletes and parents/guardians, offering guidance, performance updates, and encouragement in a warm, approachable manner. Participates in ongoing professional development, including staff meetings and aquatics training. Other duties as assigned.
General: Minimum age of 18 years of age Education: Formal or informal education or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance, supplemented by specialized training in swimming, lifeguard, or a related field AND, Years of Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of competitive swimming experience A minimum of one (1) year of coaching or instructing experience in an aquatic environment License & Certifications: Current Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer (BLS) that must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute Current First Aid certification and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute Must possess or have the ability to obtain Safety Training for Swim Coaches certification within 3 months of hire. Must possess or have the ability to obtain Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving certification within 30 days of hire. YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement. Pay Range USD $19.69 - USD $23.63 /Hr.
Candidates must have at least two years of competitive swimming experience and one year of coaching or instructing experience. Required certifications include Basic Life Support and First Aid, with additional specific swim coaching certifications required within the first few months of employment.
Market context
In California, swim coach openings often draw candidates with both competitive swimming backgrounds and prior instruction experience, especially where youth programs and seasonal demand create steady hiring needs. These roles are competitive because employers typically want current safety credentials, sport-specific coaching knowledge, and the ability to work with swimmers of different ages and skill levels. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly confirm certification timelines, then highlight your competitive swimming and coaching experience in your application.