The North End Otters (NEO) is a registered Master’s Swim Team with USMS and is a 501(c)7 non-profit organization run by a volunteer Board of Directors.  

NEO is comprised of approximately 80 swimmers with a wide array of experience; some with collegiate and significant master swimming accomplishments, some are well-rounded athletes and swimming is part of their cross training regimen, some are recreational swimmers, and some are new to swimming and require some coaching to learn stroke techniques and how to swim with a team.  The age range of our swimmers is from early 20s to mid-70s.  We have some swimmers that have been together for over 30 years and many new additions.  Our team prides itself on balancing friendly competition, long-term friendships and community building.

For over 20 years, NEO swam at the Shoreline Pool, but last year the pool closed permanently. Since Shoreline’s closure we have been swimming at Aqua Club in Lake Forest Park from September to May and Yost Pool in Edmonds during the summer months. Both pools are outdoors with each having locker rooms, showers and ample parking.  In the long term, the team will try to secure pool time in the Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, Shoreline area.  

The team swims 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday, in the mornings in a 6-lane pool setting. Practices are currently at 8:00 to 9:00 AM Monday through Friday and 6:30 to 7:30 AM on Saturdays.  These times are secured through May at Aqua Club, but are subject to change based on pool facilities secured thereafter.  The team will strive to continue with morning workouts between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM long term.  The coach will work approximately 1.5 hours a day to prepare and coach workouts and open and/or close the pool facility.

In the past we ran the team with one coach, but we are open to having a head and assistant coach or co-coaching arrangement. If there is more than one coach, they must coordinate with one another on workouts and running the daily operations of the program. The coach or coaches will report directly to the president of the Board of Directors.

Qualifications:

We are looking for a coach that has a passion for encouraging adults to stay fit and meet their personal goals.  We need a good communicator who can be inspirational to team members with goals ranging from learning how to do a flip turn to setting records at Nationals.

The Coach should have the following experience and training:

• Valid Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

• Experience coaching, with a preference in coaching adults

• Current membership in USMS

• CPR, first aid, and AED training

The coach should be able to:

• Develop daily workouts with appropriate lane send-offs that are challenging, but within reach, for all team members (Novice to competitive)

• Help arrange swimmers within lanes and across lanes based on speed and skills.

• Demonstrate proficiency in teaching stroke and turn development, stroke correction and proper technique. Identify irregularities in people’s stroke technique and regularly give them suggestions on how to improve. Clearly describe workouts, drills, and techniques.

• Develop a weekly format for practices and let the club members know the schedule (e.g.; identify days that are focused on distance, speed, skills, etc…)

• Develop a seasonal plan for the club that follows the Master’s Swim schedule of meets and open water schedule for summer. This typically includes a fall ramp up with a peak before the regional PNA master’s meet and Nationals, including a tapering plan and a focus on honing skills for competition.

• Understanding of the rules of USMS as described in the rulebook

• Serve as lifeguard and coach during practices.

• Take daily attendance and handle checks and cash from swimmers and pass on to team treasurer in a timely manner to be agreed upon between coach and treasurer.

• Responsible for finding substitute coach if an absence is anticipated

• Respond to email within 24-48 hours

Optional Tasks

The following tasks are optional and offer opportunities for the coach to earn additional fees:

• Host swim clinics and other educational opportunities for club members

• Provide coaching for an adult learn to swim program

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with applicant’s job qualifications.  NEO pays for USMS coach registration fee and an annual continuing education clinic or class.  NEO will pay federal mileage rates for travel to special events, but not for regular practices.

To apply:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the first review scheduled for October 8, 2021 to neoswimteam@gmail.com.  Please submit the following items as part of the application package:

• Cover letter, including a description of your coaching experience and how it relates to masters swimming

• Resume highlighting swim coaching and other relevant experience

• Two relevant professional references, preferably in swim coaching, with name, title, organization, phone number and email address for each

Final candidate(s) may be asked to coach one or more practices as part of the interview and vetting process.  Candidates will be paid $25/hour for trial coaching sessions.  A final offer will be contingent upon a background check.