Casual Swim Instructor

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Halifax; On-site; CAD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is seeking a casual Swim Instructor for the John W. Lindsay YMCA. You will supervise participants, provide aquatic instruction, and support a safe and inclusive environment. Shifts are scheduled with notice and may transition to part-time seasonally.

The role requires lifeguarding/Swim Instructor certifications, First Aid/CPR, and strong communication skills. Fluency in multiple languages is an asset. Join a team dedicated to belonging and healthy communities.

Qualifications

• Certification as lifeguard instructor or swim instructor preferred.
• Strong safety mindset and ability to follow SOPs.
• Excellent oral and written communication in English; bilingual considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Supervise participants to ensure safety and uphold policies.
• Provide water safety instruction and emergency response when needed.
• Inspect facility areas to mitigate hazards and ensure cleanliness.
• Develop and deliver aquatics programming aligning with YMCA guidelines.
• Foster positive relationships with participants, families, and staff.

Skills

Lifeguarding

Water safety instruction

Communication skills

Bilingual skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor / NLS / Red Cross WSI

Standard First Aid / CPR

Job description

Position Title: Swim Instructor

Position Status: Casual

Salary: $16.60 - $18.60 per hour

Location: John W. Lindsay YMCA

The YMCA is a place where everyone belongs. We are committed to providing equal opportunity for all, in a welcoming space that is both nurturing and fun – in a community of shared responsibilities, where children and families can thrive.

There are lots of places to work, but few opportunities to do work that really matters, and the Y is one of those rare places. When you join our team, you don’t just get a job – you’ll embark on an exciting path in career development. You will be part of a team that provides children, youth, and adults of all ages a sense of belonging in their community.

The Opportunity

Our Aquatics team plays an important role in ensuring our aquatics department is a safe and inclusive space, that offers excellence in its facilitation and delivery of Aquatics lessons for all participants. Reporting to the Aquatics Manager, our aquatics staff are integral to ensure our core values and mandate are delivered in a meaningful, safe, positive and inclusive way for each participant. This role is casual with shifts scheduled with a minimum of 48 hours notice based on seasonal availability (submitted upon hiring) and includes the possibility of moving to part-time on a seasonal basis.

Responsibilities

• Supervise participants at all times and ensure a safe environment in regard to conduct, safety education/intervention, regulatory and policy compliance, and equipment usage
• Recognize and prevent potentially dangerous situations, using approved techniques for supervision of aquatic areas and users, in emergency situations; providing water rescue, first aid, and follow up. Complete any safety documentation and reporting as required
• Conduct routine inspections of facility's public areas to ensure hazards are corrected and mitigated, maintenance issues are addressed, and participant safety is maintained
• Develop and deliver Aquatics programming, in keeping with YMCA Core Value System, Swim Instructor Guidelines, Serving All Members (SAM) standards, and ensuring a high level of participant satisfaction
• Build, foster, and maintain positive working relationships with participants, community members, staff and volunteers through positive internal/external communications, timely response to questions and issue resolution

Qualifications & Skills

• 1-3 years experience in delivery of aquatic youth and adult programming and/or lifeguarding
• NLS, Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor or Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification; previous YMCA swim instruction experience an asset
• YMCA Swim Instructor, or Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, or Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor
• Demonstrated safety conscious mindset and Standard First Aid/CPR certification required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Bilingual in French, Arabic, etc. an asset
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to work irregular hours as required

Conditions of Employment

• Clear Child Abuse Register Check
• Current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check (must be dated less than 6 months from hire date)
• Completion of YMCA’s Child Safeguarding Orientation on or before first day of employment
• Valid First Aid and CPR certificate

Please note that background checks are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Consideration for employment is based on Child Safeguarding requirements and the nature of the position, and an offense may not eliminate a candidate from employment at the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth.

The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is an equal opportunity employer that values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify.