Aquatics Swim Instructor ( Summer Contract, Taggart Y)

YMCA of the National Capital Region • Ottawa, ON

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential. This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of excellence, compassion, dignity, accountability and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services. Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals. This job posting is for an existing vacancy. (8 week contract, 35 hours per week - July 6, 2026 to August 29, 2026).

Requirements

• Current Standard First Aid and CPR "C" certification.
• Current National Lifeguard (NL) certification.
• Current WHMIS certification.
• Valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required.
• Fluent in English, oral and written.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Basic understanding of pool operations.
• Must maintain a calm and professional demeanor in high-stress situations.
• Ability to recognize, assess and react promptly and appropriately in emergencies.
• Ability to work with clients and staff with diverse needs, backgrounds, and skills.
• Annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.

Nice To Haves

• French language is an asset.
• Additional aquatic qualifications are considered an asset.
• Previous experience as a Lifeguard is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead swim lessons as assigned to ensure the safety and satisfaction of members using the aquatics facilities and take part in learn-to-swim programs.
• Interact with members in the facility, role model best practices, and educate members regarding swimming skills and safe swimming habits.
• Ensure that health and safety regulations and YMCA policies and procedures are upheld.
• Promote accident and incident prevention through supervision, rule enforcement, and good maintenance practices.
• Maintain constant surveillance of members in the aquatic’s facility, guard from appropriate locations, and follow appropriate guard-to-bather ratios.
• Complete safety checks of lifesaving equipment, report all malfunctioning equipment, remove damaged equipment from circulation, and ensure the safe and effective use of equipment by participants.
• Respond to all incidents and accidents that occur in the aquatic or surrounding area.
• Act immediately and appropriately in the event of an emergency to secure the safety of patrons by providing emergency care and treatment as required until emergency medical services arrive.
• Complete all administrative paperwork, including preparation of lesson plans and completion of progress reports accurately, diligently, and promptly.
• Contribute to keeping the aquatics office tidy and organized.
• Present a professional appearance and attitude at all times and ensure excellent customer service is provided to members and participants by proactively addressing concerns or issues related to Swim Instruction, Lifeguarding, and Pool Safety, and escalating them to the Aquatics Supervisor/Coordinator, if necessary.
• Adhere to the Ontario Pool Regulations 565-90 and the National Lifeguard Guidelines set forth by the Lifesaving Society of Ontario and ensure that the mission, purpose, image, and core values of the YMCA are conveyed to members, staff, and volunteers with every interaction.
• Providing a supportive and welcoming environment for all, ensuring excellent quality programs and services are delivered to all program members and potential program members.
• Acting as a team member, possessing excellent judgment, flexibility, decisiveness, and energy.
• Actively interacting and building relationships with program members to help ensure member experiences are enhanced and members are successful and retained.
• Promptly responding to program member and participant inquiries and concerns.
• Adhering to emergency guidelines and procedures; understanding their risks.
• Being a contributing team member and share in the overall responsibilities of the day-to-day operations.
• Working to ensure the facility is clean and safe at all times, taking responsibility for the pool areas specifically.
• Ensuring pool equipment is well maintained.
• Completing all other administrative responsibilities and duties.
• Attending training sessions as required.

Benefits

• Free YMCA gym membership
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps)
• Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Long-term Disability and Life Insurance
• Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan
• Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation
• Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed