Swim Instructor

YMCA•Bethlehem, PA

7d•$13 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA is seeking Swim Instructors, age 15 or older, to teach group and private swimming lessons to children and other participants. Instructors help participants achieve their swimming goals while fostering safety, confidence, and skill development. The position offers part-time work requiring at least five hours per week, with full-time opportunities of 40 hours per week also available. Work may take place on weekday days, evenings, and weekends. The hourly pay range is $12.50–$23. Instructors follow YMCA lesson plans and policies, communicate progress with participants and guardians, prepare and clean lesson equipment, and collaborate with aquatics staff, lifeguards, and supervisors. The role includes staff training and in-service meetings. Responsibilities and expertise vary by level: Level 1 supports instructors and monitors participants; Level 2 independently teaches individuals and small groups, provides tailored instruction, and manages participant scheduling; Level 3 mentors instructors, provides advanced instruction, manages a large client and class schedule, and facilitates staff training. The YMCA provides comprehensive training, and previous teaching experience is not required. The organization describes the work as rewarding and dynamic and offers opportunities to learn and grow while contributing to the community.

Requirements

Be at least 15 years old.
Have experience with children and a passion for teaching children to swim.
Be able to pass American Red Cross CPR Certification.
Be able to complete an in-water skills assessment.

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.
At Level 1, support instructors teaching small groups, monitor participants for safety and proper technique, and provide feedback and encouragement.
At Level 2, teach individuals and small groups, provide one-on-one instruction tailored to clients’ goals and skill levels, develop customized lesson plans, and maintain accurate scheduling of private and semi-private participants.
At Level 3, mentor new and Level 1 instructors, provide advanced instruction, manage a large book of clients and classes, and facilitate staff trainings.
Maintain the applicable minimum weekly lesson hours: five hours for Levels 1 and 2; Level 3 has higher minimums during peak times.