Adaptive Swim Instructor (South Bay)

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

Overview

The Adaptive Swim Instructor is responsible for providing inclusive, high-quality aquatic instruction for individuals with diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. This role goes beyond traditional swim coaching by tailoring lessons to the unique abilities of each participant, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and physical disabilities. The Adaptive Swim Instructor fosters a safe, supportive, and fun environment where students can build water independence, functional mobility, and self-confidence at their own pace. The Adaptive Swim Instructor serves as a patient mentor and safety expert, utilizing adaptive techniques and positive reinforcement to help students achieve meaningful milestones. This role ensures that the transformative power of the water is accessible to every member of our community.

Schedule:

Must be available Wed/Fri from 2:35pm-7:25pm & Sat from 8am-1pm

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.

Qualifications

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

• Formal or informal education or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance, supplemented by specialized adaptive training AND,

• Up to ten (10) hours of documented shadowing of a Lead Adaptive Instructor OR approved asynchronous online modules covering ASD, Cerebral Palsy, and sensory processing.

• Completion of a minimum 10-hour 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 (YSL) Certification or American Red Cross WSI Certification. Those hired with the American Red Cross certification are required to obtain the YMCA certification within six (6) months of hire.

• Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO) that must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute.

• Current First Aid certification and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute.

• Current Emergency Oxygen (O2) Administration certification and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute.

Pay Range

USD $22.64 - USD $27.17 /Hr.