The Penobscot Bay YMCA, like pools across the country, continues to face a shortage of lifeguards and swim instructors. Today, we have an amazing, small but mighty group of parents, grandparents, students, and caring community members helping to keep our pools and programs open. But we need more people to join us.

Much like coaching youth soccer or volunteering at the animal shelter, working in the Y’s aquatics program is an important and fun way to give back and make an impact locally. Last week, we watched children who had spent years building skills in swim lessons join our beginner Sailfish swim team practice for the first time. Seeing their excitement, and knowing our instructors and lifeguards helped them get there, was a wonderful reminder of the joy and impact of this work.

Our pools help children build confidence and learn lifesaving water safety skills. With drowning a leading cause of death for young children, access to swim lessons is especially important. Pools also give adults of all ages and abilities a place to exercise, connect, and thrive, including through our incredible Master’s Swimming program. Keeping these opportunities accessible takes a community effort, and we need more staff to keep our pools open and programs growing.

You don’t need to be an expert to teach swim lessons, just a love of the water and working with children. Our Aquatics team provides training using Y-USA structured swim curriculum. For swimmers who are interested in lifeguarding, we will offer a certification course November 6, 7 and 8, and training is free with employment. Lifeguards and swim instructors receive a free Y membership, and there are a variety of shifts available.

Whether you’re a parent with a few hours while your kids are in school, someone who’s retired, or simply looking to contribute a few hours to community wellness, even one weekly shift can make a real difference.

We want our pools full, welcoming, and accessible to everyone who needs them. To learn more, contact Aquatics Director Jodi Maltese at jmaltese@penbayymca.org.

If the opportunity isn’t right for you, please pass it along to someone who might be a good fit.

With a few more people diving in, we can help more of our neighbors stay safe, active, and connected in the water!

Whitney Files is CEO at the Penobscot Bay YMCA in Rockport