Group Swim Lessons Instructor

Job Title: Group Swim Lessons Instructor

Job Hours: Part Time Hourly

FLSA Status: Non Exempt

Job Pay: $11.00

Reports to: Sports & Wellness Director

Revision Date: 9/9/2026

Leadership Level: Leader

Primary Function/Department: Aquatics

No experience teaching swim? That is who this role is built for.

We provide paid training and ongoing coaching to help you learn how to teach lessons, earn your certifications, and build confidence on the pool deck. If you are comfortable in the water and enjoy working with kids, we will teach you the rest.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Group Swim Lessons Instructor teaches safe, engaging, developmentally appropriate swim lessons to participants of different ages and skill levels. You create a positive, encouraging environment where swimmers build fundamental skills, water safety, and confidence. You do not need to know how to teach swimming before you start. We train you in the curriculum, coach you through your first lessons, and pay for the certifications you need. We are looking for someone patient, energetic, dependable, and glad to work with children.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE:

• Teach group lessons of up to 5 to 6 swimmers using YMCA lesson plans and stage benchmarks.
• Create a welcoming, encouraging environment where swimmers build confidence in the water.
• Give clear instructions, demonstrations, and positive feedback throughout each lesson.
• Maintain active supervision and a clear line of sight on all swimmers at all times.
• Enforce pool safety rules, YMCA policies, and appropriate behavior on deck and in the water.
• Communicate with lifeguards on duty about any safety concerns or swimmer needs.
• Use swim lesson equipment properly and return it to its designated place after lessons.
• Build professional, welcoming relationships with swimmers, families, and YMCA staff.
• Show up reliably and on time, ready for each lesson.
• Model and reinforce the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

WHAT WE TEACH YOU (PAID TRAINING):

• How to teach swim lessons using the YMCA stage-based curriculum.
• How to assess a swimmer’s ability, place them at the right stage, and decide when to progress or hold them.
• Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR certification, which we provide and pay for.
• Ongoing feedback and mentoring from the aquatics team as you grow.

WHAT YOU BRING (DAY ONE):

• At least 16 years old.
• Comfortable, confident, and safe in the water, and able to demonstrate basic swimming. We help you sharpen stroke technique as part of training.
• Enjoy working with children and helping others succeed.
• Dependable, punctual, and reliable.
• Willing to earn Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR certification (provided and paid for by the Y).
• Comfortable working in a warm, humid, chlorinated pool environment for a full shift.

SWIM LESSON STAGES:

• Stage 1 (Water Acclimation): Increases comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.
• Stage 2 (Water Movement): Encourages forward movement in water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently.
• Stage 3 (Water Stamina): Develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages.
• Stage 4 (Stroke Introduction): Introduces basic stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to enter and exit the pool, stand and move on the pool deck for a full shift, and demonstrate skills in the water.
• Comfortable in a chlorinated, humid environment for extended periods.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.
We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.
We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Pay: $11.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Gym membership
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $11