Lifeguard Instructor/Water Safety Instructor Trainer (Part-Time, On-Call/Temporary)

Mountain Recreation • Gypsum, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Mountain Recreation is seeking a passionate and experienced Lifeguard Instructor/Water Safety Instructor Trainer to support the safety, training, and development of its aquatics programs. This role is responsible for teaching swim lessons, lifeguard certification courses, and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) courses, including training and certifying future swim instructors. The position helps maintain high safety and instructional standards across aquatics programming while mentoring staff, supporting ongoing training, and ensuring compliance with American Red Cross and facility policies. The Lifeguard Instructor/WSI Trainer plays an important role in developing confident swimmers, skilled instructors, and qualified lifeguards while creating a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused environment for participants and staff of all ages.

Requirements

• Be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience in aquatics instruction, lifeguarding, swim lesson instruction, or aquatics training; OR Previous experience teaching swim lessons, lifeguarding courses, or aquatics instructor-level certifications; OR Any satisfactory combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, sound judgment, and composure in emergency situations.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification required.
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification required.
• Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification required.
• Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT) certification required or ability to obtain within a designated timeframe.

Nice To Haves

• Experience mentoring, coaching, or training staff or instructor candidates preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills and cultural literacy preferred.
• American Red Cross Water Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) certification preferred
• Additional aquatics, instructor trainer, or safety certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach and evaluate American Red Cross swim lessons, lifeguarding courses, and Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification courses.
• Train, mentor, and certify future swim instructors and lifeguards in accordance with American Red Cross standards.
• Ensure participant safety through active supervision, emergency response, and enforcement of aquatics safety procedures.
• Demonstrate and instruct proper swimming techniques, rescue skills, water safety practices, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain accurate course records, certifications, attendance logs, and incident documentation.
• Provide professional communication and exceptional customer service to participants, families, staff, and guests.
• Support a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment for participants and staff of all ages and abilities.
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, certifications, and professional development activities.
• Comply with all Mountain Recreation policies, American Red Cross standards, mandatory reporting requirements, and aquatics safety protocols.
• Assist with scheduling, organizing, and coordinating aquatics courses, trainings, and staff certifications.
• Provide ongoing coaching, support, and mentorship to aquatics staff and instructor candidates.
• Prepare lesson plans, course materials, and instructional equipment for classes and certification programs.
• Inspect, organize, clean, and maintain aquatics equipment, training materials, and instructional spaces.
• Assist with program setup, breakdown, and operational support for aquatics activities and events.
• Stay current on American Red Cross curriculum updates, aquatics best practices, and required certifications.
• Serve as a positive role model and leader for participants and staff.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a)-retirement account.
• Access to mental health resources, life coaching, financial and legal consultation, and more through AllOne Health (Employee Assistance Program).
• Accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA (Paid Time Off).
• Complimentary access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and a free membership to the Gypsum Recreation Center (Facility Access & Memberships).
• 20% off facility programs for employees and immediate family members (Program Discounts).
• Discounted punch cards for immediate family members at the Gypsum Recreation Center (Family Discounts).
• Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands (Outdoor Gear Perks).
• Student scholarship programs available (Scholarship Opportunities).
• Opportunity to enroll in Vail Valley Partnership’s One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program for employees and their families (Healthcare Options).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED