Y Splash Volunteer - Salem Family YMCA

Help a child gain a skill that could save their life.

Every year, Y Splash teaches hundreds of local second graders essential water safety skills through engaging classroom activities and hands-on pool experiences. Volunteers are the heart of this program, helping children build confidence, develop healthy habits, and learn skills that can last a lifetime.

Whether you're comfortable helping in the water or prefer assisting in the classroom, there's a place for you on our team.

Position Summary
Y Splash Volunteers assist YMCA staff in delivering water safety education to local second-grade students. Volunteers help create a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment while supporting instructors with classroom activities, pool-based learning, and student supervision. No previous teaching experience is required. Training is provided

Volunteer Opportunities

In-Water Volunteer
Assist YMCA instructors during pool sessions by:

• Encouraging and supporting students as they practice new skills 

• Assisting children with floating, kicking, blowing bubbles, and basic water movement 

• Helping students safely use life jackets, boats, and water safety equipment 

• Providing extra encouragement to children who may be nervous or hesitant 

• Reinforcing water safety concepts taught throughout the program 

• Assisting instructors during swim assessments 

• Helping set up and put away equipment 

Volunteers work under the direction of YMCA aquatic staff and are not responsible for lifeguarding or supervising the pool independently. Pool instruction includes topics such as backyard pool safety, boating safety, beach safety, reaching assists, lifejacket use, HELP/Huddle, rip current safety, and basic swimming skills.

Classroom Volunteer
Assist instructors during classroom sessions by:

• Helping students stay engaged during activities 

• Assisting with small-group discussions and games 

• Reinforcing important water safety concepts 

• Helping distribute and collect classroom materials 

• Providing encouragement and positive reinforcement 

• Assisting teachers and YMCA staff as needed
  

Qualifications

• Passion for working with children 

• Positive attitude and willingness to encourage every student 

• Ability to communicate effectively with children and staff 

• Dependable and punctual 

• Comfortable working as part of a team 

• Ability to model the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility 

*No prior teaching or aquatics experience is required.

Requirements
To help provide the safest possible environment for children, all Y Splash Volunteers must complete:

• YMCA Volunteer Application

• References

• Criminal Background Check 

• Abuse Prevention Training 

• Any additional YMCA onboarding requirements 

• Program orientation before volunteering
  

Physical Requirements
Depending on the volunteer assignment, volunteers should be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods 

• Communicate clearly with children and staff 

• Lift and move light program equipment 

• For in-water volunteers, comfortably enter and move in shallow water 

Reasonable accommodations may be available. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.