Watersports Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Watersports Instructor is responsible for leading and teaching a variety of lake-based activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, sailing, and windsurfing at the YMCA lakefront facility. This role ensures a safe, engaging, and educational experience for participants while promoting proper technique, water safety, and respect for the environment. The instructor fosters a fun and inclusive atmosphere, helping participants develop confidence and skills in watersports activities.

Culture Statement

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.

We Love unconditionally - showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope - promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion - listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity - sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.

We walk in Grace - showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith - staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty - communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility - leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.

We live with Joy - celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect - addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility - performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service - going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential Functions

Teach and lead watersports lessons for individuals and groups, ensuring participants learn proper techniques and safety procedures.
Supervise all on-water activities, maintaining high safety standards and providing assistance as needed.
Provide instruction on equipment handling, paddling techniques, and water navigation for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, sailing, or windsurfing.
Monitor weather and water conditions, adjusting lessons and activities as needed for safety.

Demonstrate proper use and care of equipment, ensuring all gear is maintained and stored correctly.
Engage and motivate participants, fostering confidence, teamwork, and a love for watersports.
Assist with waterfront operations, including setting up, cleaning, and maintaining watersports areas and docks.
Ensure all safety protocols and YMCA policies are followed at all times.
Communicate effectively with participants, parents, and staff, providing clear instructions and encouragement.
Uphold and promote the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application and hold a High School Diploma or GED.
Demonstrated experience teaching or participating in watersports, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, sailing, or windsurfing.
Strong knowledge of water safety, navigation, and equipment handling.
Ability to effectively teach and demonstrate watersports skills to individuals and groups.
Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a patient and engaging teaching approach.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities, especially in changing weather and water conditions.
Comfortable working in deep water and outdoor lakefront environments.
Experience with basic maintenance of watersports equipment preferred.
Ability to enforce rules and respond quickly to on-water emergencies.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
Passion for watersports, outdoor recreation, and community engagement.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Preferred Qualifications
Current certifications in lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid
Previous experience working with youth and families.

Working Conditions

Outdoor lakefront environment, with exposure to sun, wind, and varying weather conditions.
Physically active role requiring standing, paddling, lifting equipment, and being in and around water for extended periods.
Frequent interaction with campers, families, and fellow staff in a dynamic and high-energy setting.
Exposure to lake water, boats, paddles, and other watersports equipment.
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and assist in launching and docking equipment.
Work schedule includes weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak programming.

Competencies

1. ENGAGING COMMUNITY: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y's work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit
2. COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause
3. FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role
4. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations

To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here