Beginner Barracudas Instructor

YMCA of the Chippewa Valley; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

FREE YMCA Membership (Upgrade to a 'YM

Job summary

The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley is seeking a part-time Beginner Barracudas Instructor for the Chippewa Falls/Eau Claire area. You will lead beginner swim practices for children ages 4 to 8, in a safe and encouraging environment, focusing on basic technique and confidence in the water.

Responsibilities include teaching water safety, body position, kicking, breathing, and lane awareness; supervising swimmers; adapting instruction to each child; and communicating progress with aquatics leadership.

Qualifications

• Swim team experience, coaching or instruction required.
• Comfortable working in water with children ages 4 to 8.
• Ability to demonstrate and explain basic swimming skills.
• Patient, dependable, energetic and comfortable managing young children in a group setting.
• Strong communication with children and guardians.
• CPR/AED, First Aid, Lifeguard or swim instructor certification preferred, or willingness to complete required training if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Lead Beginner Barracudas practices or clinic sessions for swimmers ages 4 to 8.
• Work directly in the water with participants to support safety, comfort, and skill development.
• Teach basic swim team readiness skills, including body position, kicking, arm movement, breathing, lane awareness, and following directions.
• Create a fun, welcoming, and age-appropriate learning environment that encourages participation and confidence.
• Maintain active supervision of all swimmers and follow all pool safety rules, emergency procedures, and youth protection expectations.
• Use positive reinforcement and clear communication to help young swimmers stay engaged and successful.
• Adapt instruction for different comfort levels, attention spans, and abilities.
• Communicate swimmer progress, behavior, and concerns with swim team or aquatics leadership as needed.
• Help set up, use, and put away program equipment.
• Represent the YMCA professionally with swimmers, parents/guardians, coaches, and staff.

Skills

Swim team experience

Water safety

Communication skills

Patience

Group management

Job description

YMCA of the Chippewa Valley, Chippewa Falls YMCA, Eau Claire Downtown YMCA

Job Type:

Part Time

Wage:

$13 an Hour

Shift Availability:

Varies

About the Role

The Beginner Barracudas Instructor introduces young swimmers ages 4 to 8 to foundational swim team skills in a safe, positive, and encouraging environment. This position supports youth development by helping participants build confidence, comfort in the water, basic technique, listening skills, and readiness for a structured swim team setting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Beginner Barracudas practices or clinic sessions for swimmers ages 4 to 8.
• Work directly in the water with participants to support safety, comfort, and skill development.
• Teach basic swim team readiness skills, including body position, kicking, arm movement, breathing, lane awareness, and following directions.
• Create a fun, welcoming, and age-appropriate learning environment that encourages participation and confidence.
• Maintain active supervision of all swimmers and follow all pool safety rules, emergency procedures, and youth protection expectations.
• Use positive reinforcement and clear communication to help young swimmers stay engaged and successful.
• Adapt instruction for different comfort levels, attention spans, and abilities.
• Communicate swimmer progress, behavior, and concerns with swim team or aquatics leadership as needed.
• Help set up, use, and put away program equipment.
• Represent the YMCA professionally with swimmers, parents/guardians, coaches, and staff.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY (SR STAFF ONLY)

Not applicable.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES (LEADERS AND SENIOR STAFF ONLY)

Not applicable.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (NON-LEADERSHIP)

• Builds positive relationships with children, families, staff, and volunteers.
• Demonstrates patience, dependability, enthusiasm, and strong safety awareness.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully with young swimmers and parents/guardians.
• Models the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Maintains a welcoming and encouraging environment for swimmers of varying comfort levels and abilities.

TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS PROFICIENCY

• Ability to use basic communication tools and program systems as directed by swim team or aquatics leadership.
• Ability to review schedules, rosters, attendance information, and program communications as needed.

Key Qualifications

• Swim team experience, swim coaching experience, or swim instructor experience required.
• Comfortable and willing to work in the water with children ages 4 to 8.
• Ability to demonstrate and explain basic swimming skills in an age-appropriate way.
• Patient, dependable, energetic, and comfortable managing young children in a group setting.
• Strong communication skills with children, parents/guardians, coaches, and staff.
• Ability to maintain active supervision and safety awareness throughout each session.
• CPR/AED, First Aid, Lifeguard, or swim instructor certification preferred, or willingness to complete required training if applicable.

Part-Time Employee Benefits

• FREE YMCA Membership (Upgrade to a Household Membership for just $21/month)

Work-LifeBalance

• Flexible schedules for harmony between work and life
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services for you and your household

Professional Growth

• Paid trainings & certifications (CPR, First Aid, YMCA Leadership)
• Opportunities for career development and skill-building
• Strong retirement contribution (12% after qualifying)

Community & Connections

• Build lasting relationships with members and staff