Swim Lesson Coordinator chez Penobscot Bay YMCA

Description

We're Hiring! Swim Lesson Coordinator

Are you passionate about swimming, leadership, and creating unforgettable experiences for kids and families? We're looking for a Swim Lesson Coordinator to join our energetic Aquatics Team and take our youth and family swim programs to the next level!

At the Penobscot Bay YMCA, we’re all about making waves—both in the water and in the lives of the people we serve. If you love working with people, thrive in a team environment, and want to help others build life-saving skills and confidence in the pool, this could be your next great opportunity.

With guidance from the Director of Aquatics, this position will develop, oversee, and instruct safe, enriching, and effective youth and family swim programs. The Swim Lesson Coordinator oversees the swim lesson program to ensure all public and private lessons are executed enthusiastically, safely, and securely within the guidelines of Penobscot Bay YMCA/YSL. This is a split administrative/direct service role, where at least half of the Coordinator’s work time will be spent hands-on in the pool, either teaching lessons or lifeguarding, depending on departmental needs. To ensure the best possible swim program, the Swim Lesson Coordinator will plan and host swim instructor in-service training days in advance of each program block and meet individually with instructors throughout the program session to provide regular feedback. 

What You’ll Be Doing

This is not just a desk job! As Swim Lesson Coordinator, you’ll split your time between leading from the pool deck and diving into action—literally.

• Lead and inspire our team of swim instructors with high-energy, high-impact programming
• Teach and coach swim lessons that are safe, fun, and tailored to all ages and skill levels
• Plan and run in-service training for instructors, ensuring our team is always top-notch
• Build relationships with families and participants to create an exceptional experience
• Support the Aquatics Director with hiring, training, scheduling, and mentoring
• Jump in when needed—as a lifeguard, an instructor, or just a team player

What We’re Looking For

• A natural leader with a passion for youth development and water safety
• Someone who thrives in a fast-paced, community-focused environment
• Strong organizational skills, creative energy, and a love for hands-on work
• Experience in swim instruction and lifeguarding preferred
• Must be comfortable working evenings or weekends when needed

Why Join Us?

• Retirement Program – Access to retirement on Day 1, with potential eligibility for a 10% match from the YMCA after two years.
• Membership Perks – Enjoy a free, individual annual YMCA membership ($696 value!) Work with a supportive and passionate team
•  A Role That Makes a Difference –  The Pen Bay Y is a community cornerstone where all people can connect, grow, and thrive, and you are a vital part of that vision. 
• Work with a supportive and passionate team & enjoy ongoing training and professional development
• Make a splash in the lives of kids, families, and your own career!

Ready to Dive In?

If you’re ready to take the plunge and lead one of the most rewarding programs in our community, apply today to join the Penobscot Bay YMCA as our next Swim Lesson Coordinator!

Requirements

Essential Functions

• Create, implement, and manage effective swim lesson programming; providing individual coaching and encouragement to participants and other coaches.
• Recruit and retain swim lesson participants by providing first-class programs.
• Assist Aquatic Director in recruiting, hiring, training, evaluating, and coaching swim instructors.
• Provide leadership to the swim instructor team by planning and managing schedules and assisting with any difficult situations and lessons.
• Provide safe, effective, and creative instruction for individuals at all levels, ensuring all classes begin and end on time and that the equipment used in lessons is stored properly.
• Personally address client suggestions and complaints as they arise in a way that leaves the client feeling heard and appreciated, while still protecting the interests of the Penobscot Bay YMCA
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of swim lessons through surveys, phone calls, and other methods.
• Maintain records of swim instructor certifications.
• Immediately report incidents, inquiries, and complaints to the Aquatics Director 
• Participate in regular in-service trainings.
• Lifeguard, depending on departmental needs.
• Find approved coverage for classes when unable to instruct, assist other instructors with finding coverage, and provide fill-in assistance as needed. 
• Run all swim lesson instructor in-service training sessions.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the good of the organization.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• 1+ years of experience working with youth in a childcare, coaching, or other setting. 
• 2-3 years of experience in swimming/aquatics recommended.
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification within 1 month of hire (training will be provided).
• Achieve Y-USA Swim Lesson Instructor certification within the first 6 months (training will be provided).
• Exercise good judgment around areas of responsibility. 
• Demonstrate a high tolerance for interruptions and varied routines. 
• Proven desire to take charge of areas of responsibility. 
• Available to run and oversee all swim lesson program times, including Saturdays
• Ability to keep confidences related to office and personnel matters. 
• Ability to work successfully with many types of people. 
• Possess the ability to handle multiple tasks and demands 
• Ability to communicate effectively with all age groups
• Supervisory experience of 1+ years recommended.

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.

• Must be able to safely climb a 5.9-rated route and demonstrate proper technique.
• Must be able to belay a top-rope climber safely using proper technique.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and supervise activities in various indoor and outdoor locations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds multiple times daily.
• Must be able to manage and de-escalate unsafe behavior if necessary.