Adaptive Swim Instructor: Empower Safe Water Skills

YMC; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of San Diego County is seeking an Adaptive Swim Instructor to provide inclusive aquatic instruction tailored to students with diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. You will adapt strokes, ensure safety, and build water independence with supportive coaching.

You will supervise sessions, use positive reinforcement, and maintain equipment for accessible aquatic activities, while collaborating with a team and adhering to required certifications and training.

Qualifications

• Reading and writing at a level necessary for successful job performance, with adaptive training background.
• Shadowing up to 10 hours with a Lead Adaptive Instructor or approved online modules on ASD, CP, sensory processing.
• Minimum 10 hours in-person formal training in adaptive aquatics (e.g., YMCA/ Swim Angelfish certifications).
• Current YMCA Swim Lesson (YSL) or Red Cross WSI certification; if ARC, must obtain YMCA within 6 months.
• CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer from ARC, AHA, or ASHI; First Aid from ARC, AHA, or ASHI; Emergency Oxygen Administration certification.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements adaptive lesson plans by modifying strokes and safety skills to meet each student’s abilities.
• Maintains constant supervision and enforces pool safety rules using discipline guidelines to keep a secure environment.
• Guides students through incremental skill progressions with ample practice at their own pace.
• Identifies and corrects improper strokes using positive reinforcement and adaptive equipment.
• Communicates clearly with students using verbal, visual, or hand-signal cues tailored to each student.
• Administers First Aid and CPR/AED when needed and remains composed in emergencies.
• Ensures ADA pool lifts and equipment are accessible and properly maintained.
• Inspects and maintains paddle boards, paddles, safety gear, reporting hazards to Aquatic Director.
• Collaborates with instructors, directors, and staff to foster a positive team culture.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job description

YMCA of San Diego County is seeking an Adaptive Swim Instructor to provide inclusive aquatic instruction tailored to students with diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. You will adapt strokes, ensure safety, and build water independence with supportive coaching.

You will supervise sessions, use positive reinforcement, and maintain equipment for accessible aquatic activities, while collaborating with a team and adhering to required certifications and training.