Volunteer to support youth at the Sedro-Woolley Rec Center! Monday-Friday 2:30-6:30 pm, the Rec Center is open for support and activities to youth ages 12-17. We are looking for responsible and engaging volunteers to assist youth with their homework, or who are willing to help facilitate activities or projects in partnership with staff! In December 2023 and January 2024, we will be facilitating a mural painting project with youth on Mondays from 4-6 pm in partnership with O.U.R. Journey.

Under the direct supervision of the Swim Lessons Manager, Swim Instructor Aides assist certified YMCA Swim Lessons Instructors in providing YMCA Swim Lessons.

Qualifications:

1. Ages 13 and older
2. Significant swimming experience or experience working with children
3. Able to serve as an example during swim lessons and demonstrate water safety competency (see swimming requirements below)
4. Able to commit to an eight-class session (consistently volunteer for either four weeks, twice a week on Mondays & Wednesdays or Tuesdays & Thursdays, or eight weeks, once a week on Fridays and Saturdays. Summer schedule may include classes four times a week (Monday-Thursday) for two weeks.)

Principal Activities:

• Be prepared for class at least 15 minutes before class start time
• Assist in teaching diverse populations proper swimming techniques as required by the standards of the YMCA
• Ensure participants adhere to all YMCA aquatic safety guidelines and procedures
• Assist YMCA Swim Lessons Instructors in leading games and activities in the water to teach water safety and basic skills
• Encourage and motivate participants and answer participant questions
• Inform supervisor of any issues that need their attention
• Demonstrate YMCA Core Values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility
• Wear uniform when performing volunteer assignment

Swimming Requirements:

Swim 25 yards of each of the following strokes, demonstrating proficiency in at least four:

1. Front Crawl
2. Breaststroke
3. Back Crawl
4. Sidestroke
5. Elementary Backstroke
6. Butterfly

Swim Instructor Aides must also be able to tread water for at least two minutes.

Environment & Hours:

Water temperature may range from 79-85°, depending on the pool. Air temperature ranges from 75-85°. Several classes take place at one time, during open swim or swim team, which can create a loud environment. A swim lesson is usually thirty minutes long, with a five-minute break between classes. Weekday shifts can be as long as four classes (two hours & fifteen minutes in-water), and Saturday shifts can be up to seven classes (three hours & fifty minutes in-water).

Youth sports leagues emphasize teamwork, skill-building, sportsmanship, and most of all, FUN! Individuals of every ability and experience are invited to participate.

Volunteers help our Sports programs flourish. Whether coaching, refereeing, scorekeeping, or overseeing officials, volunteers directly help participants have fun and learn the skills listed above.