Aquatics Swim Instructor

YMCA of the National Capital Region; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA gym membership

Discounted Y program fees

EFAP including counselling

Health and Dental Insurance

Long-term Disability and LifeInsurance

YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan

Up to 25 vacation days per year

Maternity leave benefits

Job summary

YMCA of the National Capital Region is seeking an Aquatics Instructor to lead swim lessons, supervise the pool area, and ensure safety and exceptional member experience. You will follow Ontario Pool Regulations and Lifesaving Society guidelines while delivering high-quality programs.

The role requires current First Aid/CPR-C and National Lifeguard certifications, with a focus on customer service, teamwork, and professional conduct in a dynamic aquatics environment.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English, oral and written.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse groups and maintain calm in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead swim lessons and supervise aquatics activities.
• Maintain health and safety regulations and lifeguard standards.
• Complete lesson plans and progress reports; keep aquatics area organized.

Skills

Fluent English

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Pool operations understanding

Emergency response

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Job description

Description

Overview

The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.

This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of excellence, compassion, dignity, accountability and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals.

Vacancy Status:

This job posting is for an existing vacancy. This is a part-time contract position ending on December 23, 2026.

What do we offer?

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to be a leader, partner and catalyst that empowers individuals, dismantles barriers and transforms communities.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free YMCA gym membership;
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps);
• Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services;
• Health and Dental Insurance;
• Long-term Disability and Life Insurance;
• Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan;
• Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation;
• Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months.

*Some benefits may vary based on employment terms

What do you offer?

Reporting to the Aquatics Supervisor/Coordinator, the Instructor works as a part of the YMCA of the National Capital Region’s aquatics team to lead swim lessons as assigned to ensure the safety and satisfaction of members using the aquatics facilities and take part in learn-to-swim programs. The Aquatics Instructor interacts with members in the facility, role models best practices, and educates members regarding swimming skills and safe swimming habits. This position ensures that health and safety regulations and YMCA policies and procedures are upheld.

The Aquatics Instructor promotes accident and incident prevention through supervision, rule enforcement, and good maintenance practices. The Aquatics Instructor maintains constant surveillance of members in the aquatic’s facility, guards from appropriate locations, and follows appropriate guard-to-bather ratios. This position completes safety checks of lifesaving equipment, reports all malfunctioning equipment, removes damaged equipment from circulation, and ensures the safe and effective use of equipment by participants.

The Aquatics Instructor responds to all incidents and accidents that occur in the aquatic or surrounding area. In the event of an emergency, the Aquatics Instructor acts immediately and appropriately to secure the safety of patrons by providing emergency care and treatment as required until emergency medical services arrive.

This position completes all administrative paperwork, including preparation of lesson plans and completion of progress reports accurately, diligently, and promptly and contributes to keeping the aquatics office tidy and organized. The lifeguard presents a professional appearance and attitude at all times and ensures excellent customer service is provided to members and participants by proactively addressing concerns or issues related to Swim Instruction, Lifeguarding, and Pool Safety, and escalating them to the Aquatics Supervisor/Coordinator, if necessary. This position adheres to the Ontario Pool Regulations 565-90 and the National Lifeguard Guidelines set forth by the Lifesaving Society of Ontario and ensures that the mission, purpose, image, and core values of the YMCA are conveyed to members, staff, and volunteers with every interaction.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Providing a supportive and welcoming environment for all, ensuring excellent quality programs and services are delivered to all program members and potential program members.
• Acting as a team member, possessing excellent judgment, flexibility, decisiveness, and energy.
• Actively interacting and building relationships with program members to help ensure member experiences are enhanced and members are successful and retained.
• Promptly responding to program member and participant inquiries and concerns.
• Adhering to emergency guidelines and procedures; understanding their risks.
• Being a contributing team member and share in the overall responsibilities of the day-to-day operations.
• Working to ensure the facility is clean and safe at all times, taking responsibility for the pool areas specifically.
• Ensuring pool equipment is well maintained.
• Completing all other administrative responsibilities and duties.
• Attending training sessions as required.

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Language

• Fluent in English, oral and written
• French language is an asset

Experience, Abilities & Skills

• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Basic understanding of pool operations
• Must maintain a calm and professional demeanor in high-stress situations
• Additional aquatic qualifications are considered an asset
• Previous experience as a Lifeguard is considered an asset
• Ability to recognize, assess and react promptly and appropriately in emergencies
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to work with clients and staff with diverse needs, backgrounds, and skills

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must have a current Standard First Aid and CPR "C" certification.
• Applicants must have a current National Lifeguard (NL) certification.
• Applicants must have a current WHMIS certification
• Additional aquatic qualifications considered an asset
• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required.Police Records checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.
• Annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

• Excellence: Identifies and implements improvements that enhance work quality.
• Compassion:Involves warmth and supportive communication. Fosters understanding and collaboration, leading to a positive work environment.
• Dignity:Involves respecting every individual’s worth, promoting fairness and valuing perspectives. It encourages a culture of integrity, mutual respect, and empowerment.
• Accountability:Manages tasks, projects, and processes effectively.
• Inclusion: Demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to IDEA, ethics, and well-being.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y:

Inclusivenessis a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to accessibility in employment and to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with AODA, the YMCA will endeavor to provide accommodation to people with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please email [e-mail] upon scheduling your interview.

Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions:

At the YMCA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions of employment. All employment decisions are made by our dedicated People and Culture team, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated on an individual basis with the utmost consideration for their unique qualifications and experiences.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.