Adaptive Swim Lesson Instructor

DeKalb Health; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

DeKalb Health is seeking a Part-Time Swim Instructor to deliver YMCA swim lessons under the YUSA curriculum for groups and individuals of all ages, from 6 months to adults. The role emphasizes water safety, stroke fundamentals, and adaptive needs, with a focus on building confidence and skills in a supportive environment.

Responsibilities include teaching according to the curriculum, providing feedback to swimmers and parents, maintaining safety standards, and handling setup/cleanup.

Qualifications

• CPR and First Aid certification required.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs in water.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Teach YSL swim lessons according to the curriculum provided by YUSA.
• Provide positive teaching techniques and feedback to swimmers and parents.
• Ensure proper supervision and safety standards in class.
• Set up and clean up swim lessons as required.
• Maintain pool area cleanliness and organize equipment.
• Administer first aid following OSHA guidelines.
• Keep certifications up to date and attend trainings.
• Collaborate with aquatics staff to provide a safe environment.
• Be punctual, wear proper swim attire, and attend staff meetings.
• Communicate pool rules to members and keep progress reports.

Skills

CPR and First Aid certified

Ability to lift 40 lbs in water

Verbal and written communication

Ability to sit or stand long periods

Job description

• Base Pay $20.00 - $25.00 / Hour
• Job Category Aquatics, Swim Instructor, Adaptive Needs
• Employee Type Part Time (Hourly)
• Required Degree NONE
• Manage Others No

Contact information

• Phone [phone] ext. 825

Description

Status: Part-Time Revision Date: 8/7/2026

POSITION SUMMARY

Swim Instructors are responsible for following the YMCA swim lesson curriculum and teaching skills to small groups to ages 6months to adults (depending upon candidate skill and comfortability preferences). Our swim lessons focus on building skills in the areas of safety around water, stoke fundamentals and advanced stroke technique.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Teach YSL swim lessons according to the curriculum provided by YUSA.
• Provide positive teaching techniques and feedback both to swimmers and parents.
• Ensure the proper supervision and safety standards are observed and enforced by all students in the class.
• Performing duties such as setting up and cleaning up swim lessons.
• Ensure the cleanliness of the pool area by putting away all equipment and picking up any items in the pool area at the end of each shift.
• Administer first aid to any victims following OSHA Blood borne pathogens guidelines.
• Maintain all necessary certifications, physical requirements, and attend all in-service training.
• Participate as part of the aquatics staff team in providing a safe and enjoyable environment.
• Respect others by arriving on time and in accordance with schedule.
• Wear proper swim attire.
• Attend staff meetings as required.
• Provide excellent service to members and participants. Communicate all pool rules and ensure that you are accessible and identifiable.
• Maintain swim lesson progress reports and small cards for each student.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• CPR and First Aid certified
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. in the water
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to perform activities which require sustained concentration and attention.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be in the water for long periods of time.
• The employee frequently is required to sit and reach and must be able to move around the work environment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Requirements

• Experience teaching or coaching swim to others preferred
• Strong knowledge of swimming
• Experience working with individuals with special needs
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. in the water
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
• Ability to perform activities which require sustained concentration and attention.
• Obtain CPR and First Aid certification after hire

Summary

Adaptive Swim Instructors work primarily teaching children with special needs 1:1. Instructors will be paid a training rate of $16.50 and a teaching rate of $20-$25/hr when they teach their own classes. The ideal candidate would have a background in swimming as well as working with special needs and disabled individuals. Some knowledge of physical therapy or special education would be helpful.