Description
Under the direction of the Aquatics Director and in accordance with the policies of the YMCA of Southwest Florida, the Head Swim Team Coach develops, organizes, and implements high-quality competitive swim programming that fulfills the mission of the
YMCA. This role oversees all aspects of the competitive swim program including athlete development, coaching sta leadership, program operations, and meet management. The Head Coach will foster positive relationships and communicate effectively with YMCA staff, coaches, swimmers, parents, and partner organizations.
Requirements
- Represent the YMCA of Southwest Florida and the swim team program in a
professional and positive manner within the community, at swim meets, and with
governing organizations.
- Develop and promote a team philosophy of excellence rooted in the YMCA core
values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
- Serve as the lead on-deck coach for the competitive swim program.
- Provide day-to-day leadership for the swim team program, including athlete
development, practice execution, and team operations.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Swim Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and volunteers
involved in the swim team program.
- Develop and implement the team's training group structure, practice plans, and
team policies in alignment with branch and association expectations.
- Develop and support a comprehensive athlete development pathway from novice
swimmers through senior-level competitive athletes.
- Support swimmer recruitment, retention, and overall program growth.
- Plan and manage team practice schedules and meet schedules, including coach
assignments, travel, meet entries, and administrative meet responsibilities.
- Plan and lead team parent meetings and maintain regular communication with
swim team families regarding practices, competitions, expectations, and team
development.
- Manage assigned administrative duties related to daily team operations.
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and sta development for coaching
personnel.
- Assist in the preparation and monitoring of the swim team operating budget in
collaboration with branch leadership.
- Collaborate with the Aquatics Director/Association Leadership on long-term
planning, program development, and team growth.
- Ensure coaching staff maintain professionalism, reliability, and adherence to YMCA
policies, procedures, and expectations.
- Report regularly to the Aquatics Director/Director of Competitive
Swim regarding program progress, staffing needs, operational concerns, and
opportunities for improvement.
- Support YMCA philanthropic initiatives, including the Annual Campaign, while
helping cultivate community partnerships and sponsorship opportunities that
support the swim team program.
- Ensure a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for all swimmers, families, staff,
and volunteers.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 3 years of competitive swim coaching experience.
- At least 1 year of supervisory experience including team management, preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead training groups and support athlete development.
- Demonstrated leadership ability and the ability to supervise and mentor coaching
staff.
- Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced aquatics environment.
- Ability to build positive relationships with swimmers, families, staff, officials, and
community partners.
- Must demonstrate working knowledge of computer applications and program
systems, including Microsoft Oice 365, Daxko, TeamUnify, USA Swimming, and
other platforms required for team operations, communication, and administrative
responsibilities.
- Commitment to YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Certification & Training Requirements
- CPR for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and AED certifications required.
- Lifeguard certification (American Red Cross/YMCA LG)
- Active USA Swimming Coaches Card.
- ASCA Level 3 or higher (preferred)
- YMCA Bloodborne Pathogens Training required.
- YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Training required.
- Sta Safety Requirements / Cleaning Protocols Training required.
- Successful completion of all required background screening in accordance
with YMCA policy and applicable law.
- Additional training as required by supervisor
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Must be able to stand, walk, and remain attentive on the pool deck for extended
periods of time.
- Must be able to demonstrate swim techniques and assist swimmers when
necessary.
- Must be able to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings,
weekends, holidays, and travel to away meets as required by the program.
- Must be able to work in a warm, humid, and noisy pool environment.