Adaptive Aquatics Swim Instructor

British Swim School; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Advancement opportunities

Training & development

Birthday off with pay

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Company parties

Job summary

British Swim School is seeking a Special Needs Swim Instructor to teach a combination of core lessons and adaptive classes, adapting to each student’s needs and schedule.

You will help students of all ages and abilities learn to swim, build confidence, and stay safe in and around water, with training provided for new instructors.

Qualifications

• Experience in adaptive aquatics, special education, ABA principles, therapy, or related fields preferred.
• Calm, joyful, and patient personality essential.
• Comfortable in and around water; training provided.
• Understanding of neurodiverse and differently-abled individuals.
• Reliability and teamwork are required.
• Must be able to stand in pool for 4 hours and assist in lifting children.

Responsibilities

• Teach swim and water safety lessons to children and adults.
• Adapt lessons to meet needs of students with autism, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or other unique needs.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all swimmers and families.
• Provide positive reinforcement, patience, and encouragement to students.
• Communicate progress and strategies with parents and caregivers.
• Work in the water for the full duration of shifts.

Skills

Adaptive aquatics

Patience

Communication with parents

Teamwork

Empathy

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Benefits

• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts

Make a Difference as a Swim Instructor at British Swim School – With a Focus on Adaptive Aquatics!

A role with British Swim School is more than just a job—it’s your chance to grow, teach, and change lives through water safety and swim instruction. We’re on a mission to ensure the "survival of the littlest" by teaching swimming skills in a fun, gentle, and effective way—tailored to every child’s unique needs and abilities.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Pay – starting at $17–$21 per hour, based on experience, plus potential bonuses
• Paid Training – No swim instructor experience? No problem! We’ll train you in our proven methods
• Birthday Off—With Pay! – Because you deserve to celebrate YOU
• Opportunities for Advancement – We love to promote from within
• Consistent, Part-Time Hours – Evenings & weekends (9–25 hours per week)
• Fun, Active Work Environment – You’ll be in the water, making a real impact
• Work at Any of Our 3 Locations – Shifts available in Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, and Harrisburg

What You’ll Do as a Special Needs Swim Instructor

You’ll teach a combination of our core swim lessons and adaptive aquatics classes, depending on your experience and schedule. Our instructors help students of all ages and abilities learn to swim, build confidence, and stay safe in and around the water.

• Teach swim and water safety lessons to children and adults using our gentle, play-based curriculum
• Adapt lessons to meet the needs of students with autism, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or other unique needs
• Create a welcoming, inclusive environment for all swimmers and families
• Support students through positive reinforcement, patience, and encouragement
• Communicate with parents and caregivers about student progress and strategies
• Work in the water for the full duration of your shift

Who We're Looking For

If you're patient, compassionate, and excited about working with a diverse range of students, this role is a great fit. You’ll teach both typical and adaptive classes, and we’ll train you in everything you need to know!

• Paraprofessionals & Classroom Aides – You support all learners and celebrate small wins
• Special Education Teachers & Behavioral Therapists – You already tailor instruction to the individual
• Camp Inclusion Counselors – You create welcoming environments and know how to adapt on the fly
• Occupational or PT Students – You understand movement, communication, and development
• Babysitters & Caregivers – You keep kids safe and engaged, even in high-sensory situations
• Swim Instructors & Lifeguards with a heart for inclusion – You’re already comfortable in the water and want to do more

What You Need to Succeed

• Experience in adaptive aquatics, special education, ABA principles, therapy, or special education is preferred
• A calm, joyful, and patient personality – All kids deserve your steady energy
• Comfortable in and around water – We’ll train you in instruction
• An understanding of, or interest in, working with neurodiverse and differently-abled people
• Reliability and teamwork – We support each other, and the mission
• High school diploma (or in progress) – No degree required
• Able to be on your feet in the pool for 4 hours and occasionally assist in lifting children

About Us

British Swim School is a mission-driven organization committed to saving lives through survival-focused swim lessons. Our adaptive aquatics programming helps ensure every child, regardless of ability, has access to life-saving water skills. As a swim instructor, you’ll help make this a reality—one small swimmer at a time.