Adaptive Swim Instructor: Empowering Water Confidence

YMCA of San Diego; Chula Vista, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of San Diego seeks an Adaptive Swim Instructor to deliver inclusive aquatic instruction for participants with ASD, CP, Down syndrome, and other needs. Lessons are tailored to abilities, with emphasis on water independence and safety. CPR/First Aid trained staff provide a supportive learning environment.

Schedule requires Wed/Fri 2:35pm–7:25pm and Sat 8am–1pm, with collaboration across instructors to ensure consistent progress and a positive, encouraging culture.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older and a high school graduate.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements lesson plans that adapt standard swimming strokes and water safety skills to the specific physical, cognitive, or sensory needs of each student.
• Maintains constant supervision of participants and enforces all pool safety rules and utilizing appropriate discipline guidelines to ensure a secure environment.
• Guides students through logical, incremental skill progressions, ensuring sufficient practice time is provided for students to master functional abilities at their own pace.
• Identifies and corrects improper strokes or movements using positive reinforcement, tactile cues, and adaptive equipment.
• Communicates clearly and empathetically with students, using verbal instructions, visual aids, or hand signs tailored to the student’s specific communication style.
• Administers First Aid and CPR/AED as needed, maintaining composure and proficiency in emergency situations involving participants.
• Ensures the pool environment and specialized equipment such as ADA pool lifts are optimal for students with sensory or physical sensitivities.
• Inspects, prepares, and properly maintains all paddle boards, paddles, safety gear, and instructional equipment, reporting any necessary repairs or hazards to the Aquatic Director immediately.
• Works effectively and cooperatively with the team of other instructors, directors, and support staff, actively contributing to a positive staff culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Adaptive instruction

Water safety supervision

Communication with diverse learners

First aid awareness

Education

High school diploma

Adaptive aquatics training

YMCA/Red Cross aquatics certifications

Tools

YMCA YSL Certification

American Red Cross WSI Certification

CPR/AED Certification

First Aid Certification

Oxygen Administration Certification

Job description

The YMCA of San Diego seeks an Adaptive Swim Instructor to deliver inclusive aquatic instruction for participants with ASD, CP, Down syndrome, and other needs. Lessons are tailored to abilities, with emphasis on water independence and safety. CPR/First Aid trained staff provide a supportive learning environment.

Schedule requires Wed/Fri 2:35pm–7:25pm and Sat 8am–1pm, with collaboration across instructors to ensure consistent progress and a positive, encouraging culture.