Swim Instructor

YMCA•Pen Argyl, PA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The Swim Instructor works with children and other participants in group and private lessons to help them achieve their swimming-skill goals. Instructors follow YMCA lesson plans and policies, promote a safe and nurturing learning environment, communicate with participants and guardians about progress, and collaborate with aquatics staff, lifeguards, and supervisors. The role includes preparing and cleaning lesson equipment and participating in staff training and in-service meetings. No previous teaching experience is necessary; comprehensive training is provided. The YMCA describes three instructor levels. Level 1 supports instructors teaching small groups and monitors safety and technique. Level 2 teaches individuals or small groups, provides tailored one-on-one instruction, develops customized lesson plans, and manages participant scheduling. Level 3 provides advanced instruction, mentors instructors, manages a larger client and class schedule, and facilitates staff training. Part-time instructors are expected to maintain at least five hours of lessons per week; Level 3 part-time instructors have a stated minimum of 12 hours per week, and full-time Level 3 instructors have a stated minimum of 24 hours per week during peak times.

Requirements

Age 15 or older.
Experience with children and a passion for teaching children to swim.
Ability to pass American Red Cross CPR certification.
Ability to complete an in-water skills assessment.
Maintain at least five hours per week of group and/or private lessons for the stated general, Level 1, and Level 2 expectations.
Level 3 part-time: manage a large book of clients and classes with a minimum of 12 hours per week.
Level 3 full-time: manage a large book of clients and classes with a minimum of 24 hours per week during peak times.

Nice To Haves

No previous teaching experience is necessary; comprehensive training is provided.

Responsibilities

Work with groups and individuals to help them achieve swim-skill goals.
Conduct lessons in accordance with YMCA internal lesson plans and policies.
Set up and clean up equipment for lessons.
Communicate with participants and their guardians about lesson progress and goals.
Ensure a safe, nurturing environment for students.
Collaborate with aquatics staff, lifeguards, and supervisors to support pool operations and programming.
Participate in staff training and in-service meetings.
Support swim lesson instructors teaching small groups, follow established curricula, monitor participants’ safety and technique, and provide feedback and encouragement (Level 1).
Teach individuals or small groups using established curricula; provide tailored one-on-one instruction; develop customized lesson plans; and maintain accurate scheduling of private and semi-private participants using the scheduling system (Level 2).
Mentor new and Level 1 instructors, provide advanced swim instruction, manage a large book of clients and classes, and facilitate staff trainings (Level 3).
Maintain the applicable minimum weekly lesson hours: five hours for general part-time work and Level 1 or Level 2; 12 hours for Level 3 part-time; or 24 hours for Level 3 full-time during peak times.