Adaptive Swim Instructor: Empowering Water Confidence

YMCA of San Diego County; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of San Diego County is seeking an Adaptive Swim Instructor in California to provide inclusive aquatic instruction for participants with diverse needs, tailoring lessons to ASD, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and other disabilities.

The role emphasizes safety, adaptive techniques, and positive reinforcement to help swimmers gain water independence, mobility, and confidence. Must have hours Wed/Fri and Sat schedule and hold certifications like CPR/AED and First Aid.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ and a high school graduate.
• Formal or informal training for reading/writing at job performance level.
• Up to 10 hours shadowing a Lead Adaptive Instructor or approved modules covering ASD, CP, and sensory processing.
• Minimum 10 hours in-person adaptive aquatics training (e.g., Swim Angelfish, YMCA In-Service, or similar).
• Current YMCA YSL or ARC WSI certification; if ARC hired, must obtain YMCA cert within 6 months.
• CPR/AED, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certs from ARC/Red Cross/ASHI.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements adaptive lesson plans for physical, cognitive, or sensory needs.
• Maintains constant supervision and enforces pool safety rules.
• Guides incremental skill progressions at each student’s pace.
• Corrects strokes with positive reinforcement and adaptive equipment.
• Communicates with students using tailored methods (verbal, visual, hand signs).
• Administers First Aid/CPR/AED as needed and handles emergencies calmly.
• Ensures ADA pool lifts and equipment are suitable for sensitivities.
• Inspects and maintains paddle boards, paddles, gear; reports hazards promptly.
• Collaborates with instructors, directors, and staff to foster a positive culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

High school diploma

Adaptive aquatics training (10 hrs)

YMCA/ARC certification alignment

CPR/AED (Professional Rescuer)

First Aid certification

Emergency Oxygen Administration

Job description

YMCA of San Diego County is seeking an Adaptive Swim Instructor in California to provide inclusive aquatic instruction for participants with diverse needs, tailoring lessons to ASD, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and other disabilities.

The role emphasizes safety, adaptive techniques, and positive reinforcement to help swimmers gain water independence, mobility, and confidence. Must have hours Wed/Fri and Sat schedule and hold certifications like CPR/AED and First Aid.