Watersports Activity Leader - £34,000 per annum
Summary of role:
At this exciting time in our project we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Watersports Activity Leader to join our developing centre in a year round, full time position, which specialises in teaching RYA Sailing, British Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Powerboating. As the Watersports Activity Leader, you will be responsible for overseeing all water sports activities and operations at Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA). Your role will involve leading the development and delivery of a professional, safe and inclusive programme which builds upon the previous success of the organisation. Our aim is to ensure that everyone we work with enjoys the social and health related benefits that an active participation in water sports provided by SWSA offers.
Role Responsibilities and associated tasks:
1. Program Development: Help develop and implement a comprehensive water sports program that includes RYA Sailing, Windsurfing, Powerboating, British Canoeing, Kayaking and Paddleboarding. Ensure that the program meets the needs and interests of our customers.
2. Instruction and Training: Provide expert instruction and training in RYA Sailing, Paddle sports and Powerboating to individuals and groups of varying skill levels. Ensure that all instruction is conducted in a safe and professional manner.
3. Staff Management: support and supervise a team of water sports instructors and volunteers. Provide ongoing guidance and support to ensure the highest level of tuition and customer service. Line manage the instructors working within the team and the volunteers as required.
4. Equipment and Facility Management: Ensure regular maintenance and inventory of all water sports equipment, ensuring that it is in good working condition and meets safety standards. Coordinate with suppliers, regarding equipment purchases and repairs. Ensure that the water sports facility is clean, organised, and well-maintained.
5. Safety and Risk Management: monitor and implement safety procedures to ensure the safety of all participants. Conduct regular safety checks and risk assessments. Respond to any emergencies or incidents in a calm and effective manner.
6.Oversee Adventure Activity License (AALS) recognition, and any other National Governing Body (NGB) recognition: This includes regularly updating and maintaining centre documents in order to successfully deliver a safe and inclusive programme
7. Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service to all participants, ensuring their needs are met and their expectations are exceeded. Address any customer concerns or issues promptly and professionally.
8. Marketing and Promotion: Assist in the development and implementation of marketing strategies to promote the water sports program and attract new customers. Participate in community events, relevant community projects, and networking opportunities to increase awareness of the centre.
9. Monthly reporting: Prepare monthly reports for the Board of Trustees around activity participation.
Requirements:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in water sports tuition and management.
- RYA Senior Sailing and/or Windsurf Instructor certificate.
- Moderate water BCAB coach, leader or equivalent.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office and social media.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of water sports safety protocols, procedures and relevant governing body schemes.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Successful applicants will be subject to PVG legislation
Desirable Qualifications and Experience:
- RYA Powerboat Instructor with Safety Boat qualification preferably
- RYA Sailing/Windsurfing Instructor
- BC Sea Kayak leader or experience sea kayaking
- RYA Shore based Qualifications (RYA First Aid Instructor, SRC etc)
Personal Qualities
- Presentable, punctual, enthusiastic and approachable
- Self motivated
- Flexible approach to working in a rapidly changimg industry
- Experienced in delivering land based associated activities.
Please apply by emailing a cover letter and CV to chair@stranraerwatersports.com
Closing date for applications 30th November 2025
Background
Stranraer, formerly the main port to Belfast, is reinventing itself as a leisure and marine tourism destination. With the ferries now stopping further up the headline, the clear waters of the Loch Ryan foreshore are available for tourism and recreation purposes, and there are ambitions to position the town as an international coastal water sports destination.
About SWSA
Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA), nestled at the far end of Loch Ryan’s sheltered waters is a community led not for profit organisation established to create chances for the people of Stranraer and visitors to enjoy a healthier lifestyle, build confidence, make friends and earn qualifications if desired through getting afloat. Our aim to build Our Water Sports Hub concept makes getting on the water easier, fun with less barriers and easier routes to training, we work with all local community organisations, to include schools, local college, community groups, businesses, local authority and individuals that have a shared interest in the water and the regeneration of our town.
SWSA an RYA accredited training centre, established in 2016 further recognised by British Canoe and British Stand Up Paddle Boarding Association, offer recognised training in a large variety of water-based activities, delivering a number of diverse opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy the benefits water-based sessions. Activities are focused on inspiring people, building trust, building social skills and local capacity. Through their activities SWSA have established a number of clubs to further embed watersports and healthy-living in Stranraer. The activities include coastal rowing, stand-up paddle sports, kayaking, sailing, open water swimming and power boat training, and ensure a focus on water safety, advice on the impact of wind direction, tides and how to identify safe areas to enjoy their chosen activities, also guidance on the correct equipment how to use/wear it safely.
Youth Development & Volunteering
Over the last two seasons SWSA have developed their young instructor programme, offering accredited training to a cohort of local young people with an aim to gain junior Instructor and other relevant water based qualifications, in addition SWSA have recruited and inspired a large pool of volunteers from the local community, all with varying skills who lead different aspects of the association, including Board trustees, build and repair crews, support for the rowing teams, regatta and events and individuals who are supporting the planning and delivery of our water based sessions. All are offered training with our instructors and are encouraged to gain qualifications at the level that meets their individual needs.
Major Events & Water Sports Hub
SWSA have delivered successful water-based events to include the World St Ayles Coastal Rowing Championships, SkiffieWorlds in 2019, and 2025 and the Scottish Fin and Foil Championships yearly since 2023. SWSA are currently building a new Water Sports Hub building, with funding agreed through the UK Government Levelling Up fund, Dumfries and Galloway Council, South of Scotland Enterprise and other funders due for completion in Spring 2026. The Hub will establish Stranraer as one of Scotland’s and Northern England’s best destinations for marine based tourism. This is an important part of Stranraer’s community regeneration ambitions, as outlined in the Stranraer Place Plan. The Hub will offer opportunities to develop individual capacity and confidence, improve social links and cohesions and help build social capital for Stranraer and its environs. Increasing the activity offer to meet growing demand will aid economic sustainability and growth.