Swim Instructor I & II
About The Position
The Swim Instructor teaches swim lessons using the YMCA of the USA model under the supervision of the Aquatics Director. The role requires experience teaching swim lessons, an interest in working with people—especially children—and active lifeguard certification, such as YMCA or Red Cross certification. The position is part-time, hourly, and non-exempt, with various morning, early-afternoon, evening, and weekend shifts available. A $500 sign-on bonus is offered for certified guards and instructors. Instructors prepare for classes, deliver lessons safely and on schedule, communicate students’ progress to parents, maintain attendance and skill records, and follow pool and emergency procedures. They incorporate the five program components into lessons and participate in branch safety and quality drills and required in-service training. The role also involves providing excellent member service and maintaining clear communication with supervisors. The work environment has moderate to high noise levels. Physical demands include visually scanning the pool, interacting physically and verbally with members and staff, sitting or standing for extended periods, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.
Requirements
- Experience teaching swim lessons.
- Active lifeguard certification, such as YMCA or Red Cross certification.
- CPR, First Aid, and O2 training/certification.
- Child Abuse Prevention training within the first four weeks of employment.
- Respect in the Workplace (Sexual Harassment Prevention) training.
- Physically and verbally able to interact with members and staff.
- Able to visually scan the pool.
- Able to sit or stand for extended periods.
- Able at times to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Demonstrate YMCA Leader competencies in Mission Advancement, Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness, and Personal Growth.
Nice To Haves
- YMCA Swim Lessons (YSL) certification.
Responsibilities
- Provide excellent member service and work to exceed member expectations.
- Report to the pool deck 15 minutes before a scheduled shift, dressed in a bathing suit.
- Prepare class equipment in advance and store it promptly after class; use available equipment, pool space, and personal resources effectively.
- Start and end classes on time and commit to teaching for the entire session, keeping absenteeism to a minimum.
- Communicate each child’s progress to parents on an ongoing basis.
- Follow pool rules and policies, including reviewing rules and bathroom locations at the first class.
- Know and implement emergency procedures.
- Maintain accurate class attendance and updated skill-completion records using required forms; report students who miss three classes to the Aquatic Director.
- Take notes on each child’s strengths and areas for improvement as needed.
- Maintain class control and safety, keep watch over all students, keep children using flotation within arm’s reach, and never turn away from the class.
- Use good judgment and meet the goals, objectives, needs, and interests of the YMCA, the class, and individual students.
- Incorporate personal safety, water orientation and stroke development, water sports and games, rescue, and personal growth into each lesson.
- Maintain clear and consistent communication with supervisors.
- Participate in branch safety and quality drills and attend required monthly and yearly in-service trainings.
- Listen actively to members, build relationships, understand their goals and interests, and take initiative to help them achieve those goals.
- Maintain a professional image and manner consistent with the YMCA mission and goals.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Free YMCA membership for the employee.
- Discounts on specialty programs, including personal training and swimming lessons.
- Discounted or free family membership.
- Retirement plan up to 10%, subject to eligibility requirements.
- Health, dental, and vision benefit package.
- Vacation and sick time; part-time employees receive sick time.
- Leadership development in a caring, challenging, and diverse working environment.
- Opportunities to explore new roles and develop skills.
- YMCA career training programs.
- Healthy work/life balance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
