Swim Instructor

Spring Education Group•Maitland, FL

4d•$50,000 - $55,000•Onsite

About The Position

Park Maitland School is seeking a knowledgeable, nurturing, and safety-focused Swim Instructor to teach water safety and swimming skills to preschool and elementary students during the school day. This role is ideal for an experienced aquatics professional who is passionate about helping young children build water confidence, develop foundational swim skills, and learn safe behaviors in and around the pool. As a Swim Instructor, you will plan and deliver developmentally appropriate swim lessons while maintaining constant attention to student safety. You will create a warm, encouraging, and structured aquatic learning environment where students feel supported, challenged, and proud of their progress. This position also includes on-deck lifeguarding responsibilities during instructional time and requires strong judgment, vigilance, and the ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.

Requirements

Strong personal swimming ability and comfort teaching in the water for extended periods required.
Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or equivalent nationally recognized lifeguard certification required.
Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, Basic Swim Instructor certification, or ability to obtain prior to start date required.
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification for adults and children required.
Experience working with preschool or elementary-aged children through teaching, coaching, camp counseling, childcare, or a similar setting required.
Strong classroom management skills adapted to an aquatic environment, with clear expectations and consistent routines.
Warm, patient, and encouraging demeanor that helps young children feel safe and confident in the water.
Clear verbal communication skills with students, families, colleagues, and school leadership.
Deep commitment to student safety, wellbeing, vigilance, and proactive risk prevention in and around the pool.
Ability to remain calm, make sound decisions, and respond effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to move, lift, or assist small children in the water and on the pool deck as needed.
Ability to work in an indoor or outdoor pool environment with heat, humidity, and moderate noise levels.
Ability to stand, walk, remain alert on the pool deck for extended periods, and enter the water frequently during instruction.
Ability to perform rescue techniques, including swimming to and lifting or supporting a child in distress.
Ability to pass state and federal background checks.
Must be able to work in person at the school campus.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience as a swim instructor in a school, community, or swim school setting preferred.
Familiarity with Red Cross or similar learn-to-swim curricula and progressions preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate swim lessons for preschool and elementary students, focusing on water comfort, basic strokes, and progressive skill development.
Explicitly teach and model water safety, pool rules, and emergency procedures to ensure students understand and consistently practice safe behaviors.
Monitor students closely in the water and on the pool deck, maintaining constant visual supervision and enforcing safety guidelines at all times.
Demonstrate proper swimming techniques, including floating, kicking, freestyle, backstroke, and other age-appropriate skills.
Provide clear, encouraging feedback that helps students build confidence, resilience, and joy in the water.
Adapt instruction and provide small-group or individual support for diverse learner needs, including students who are anxious, reluctant, or new to swimming.
Assess student progress, document skill development, and communicate updates to teachers and families as requested.
Set up and maintain a clean, organized, and safe pool environment before, during, and after swim instruction.
Inspect the pool and deck before and after classes and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
Collaborate with campus leaders, PE teachers, and classroom teachers to support the broader physical education and wellness program.
Serve as a positive school ambassador by fostering a warm, supportive atmosphere and communicating professionally with students, families, and colleagues.
Participate in required trainings, safety drills, professional development, and recertification activities related to aquatics safety and instructional best practices.
Act as an on-deck lifeguard during instructional time, staying alert and prepared to respond immediately to signs of distress or unsafe behavior.
Enforce pool rules and school policies consistently and calmly, intervening early to prevent accidents or unsafe situations.
Evaluate pool conditions, including water clarity, weather when applicable, and equipment, and initiate the school’s aquatic emergency action plan when required.
Perform water rescues and provide appropriate First Aid and CPR/AED care in accordance with current certification standards when necessary.