Adaptive Swim Instructor: Empowering Water Independence

YMCA of San Diego County; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The YMCA of San Diego County is seeking an Adaptive Swim Instructor to provide inclusive aquatic instruction tailored to participants with diverse needs. You will foster water independence, mobility, and confidence in a safe, supportive environment.

Responsibilities include adapting lesson plans, supervising learners, and using positive reinforcement while ensuring safety and accessibility of equipment such as ADA pool lifts.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ with a high school diploma.
• Formal or informal training ensuring reading/writing ability plus adaptive training.
• Up to 10 hours shadowing of a Lead Adaptive Instructor or approved ASD/Cerebral Palsy/sensory modules.
• At least 10 hours in-person formal training in adaptive aquatics (e.g., Swim Angelfish, YMCA Adaptive In-Service, or recognized Special Education Aquatic certifications).
• Current YMCA Swim Lesson Certification or American Red Cross WSI Certification; ARC holders must obtain YMCA cert within 6 months of hire.
• Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer from ARC/AHA/ISHI (American Safety and Health Institute).
• Current First Aid certification from ARC/AHA/ISHI.
• Current Emergency Oxygen Administration certification from ARC/AHA/ISHI.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements lesson plans that adapt standard swimming strokes and water safety to each student’s needs.
• Maintains constant supervision of participants and enforces pool safety rules.
• Guides students through progressive skill steps with ample practice time for mastery.
• Identifies and corrects improper strokes using positive reinforcement and adaptive cues.
• Communicates clearly with students using verbal, visual, or sign language as appropriate.
• Administers First Aid and CPR/AED as needed, staying calm in emergencies.
• Ensures the pool environment and equipment (e.g., ADA pool lifts) are suitable for sensitivities.
• Inspects and maintains paddle boards, paddles, safety gear, reporting hazards.
• Collaborates with instructors, directors, and staff to foster a positive team culture.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job description

The YMCA of San Diego County is seeking an Adaptive Swim Instructor to provide inclusive aquatic instruction tailored to participants with diverse needs. You will foster water independence, mobility, and confidence in a safe, supportive environment.

Responsibilities include adapting lesson plans, supervising learners, and using positive reinforcement while ensuring safety and accessibility of equipment such as ADA pool lifts.