Swim Instructor

YMCA•Bethlehem, PA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

The Swim Instructor teaches group and private swimming lessons to children and other participants, helping them achieve their swim-skill goals in a safe, nurturing environment. Instructors follow YMCA lesson plans and policies, monitor participant safety and technique, communicate progress and goals to participants and guardians, and work with aquatics staff, lifeguards, and supervisors to support pool operations and programming. 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 position has three levels. Level 1 supports instructors teaching small groups and maintains at least five weekly hours of lessons. Level 2 teaches individuals or small groups, provides tailored one-on-one instruction, develops customized lesson plans, and manages private and semi-private participant schedules, while maintaining at least five weekly lesson hours. Level 3 mentors instructors, provides advanced instruction, facilitates staff trainings, and manages a large client and class schedule. At Level 3, stated minimum workloads are 12 hours per week part-time or 24 hours per week full-time 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 the minimum weekly lesson hours applicable to the instructor level: five hours for Levels 1 and 2; Level 3 specifies 12 hours part-time or 24 hours full-time during peak periods.

Responsibilities

Work with groups and individuals to help them achieve their swimming-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.
Monitor participants to ensure safety and proper technique, and provide feedback and encouragement.
Provide one-on-one instruction tailored to client goals and skill levels and develop customized lesson plans, as applicable to Level 2.
Maintain accurate scheduling of private and semi-private participants using the scheduling system, as applicable to Level 2.
Mentor new and Level 1 instructors and facilitate staff trainings, as applicable to Level 3.
Manage a large book of clients and classes, as applicable to Level 3.