Lead Swim Instructor & Team Coach

Whatcom Family YMCA; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Whatcom Family YMCA in Bellingham, WA is seeking a Lead Swim Instructor to lead by example, coach fellow instructors, and deliver high-quality YMCA swim lessons. This part-time role focuses on safety, skill progression, and creating a welcoming pool environment for swimmers of all ages.

You'll mentor staff, run in-service trainings, coordinate with the Aquatics Director on class assignments, and help families track progress while upholding YMCA values of health, youth development, and

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Current CPR/AED/First Aid certifications required; YMCA Swim Lessons Instructor or other YMCA-approved swim instruction certification preferred or required within an established timeframe.
• At least one year of successful swim instruction experience; prior experience in a lead, trainer, mentor, or peer-coaching role preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of swim lesson curriculum, skill progressions, class management, water safety, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
• Ability to demonstrate swim skills and teaching techniques and to coach peers with confidence, respect, and professionalism.
• Strong communication and customer service skills with children, adults, families, and coworkers.
• Ability to assess instructional needs and provide constructive, actionable feedback while understanding the distinction between leadership and formal supervision.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Completion of YMCA-required Child Abuse Prevention and other assigned trainings within required timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead by Example: Be a go-to leader and resource for swim instructors during assigned shifts.
• Model engaging, safe, and effective swim instruction that makes learning fun.
• Teach swim lessons and jump in to provide class coverage when needed.
• Help ensure every class delivers a consistent, high-quality YMCA swim lesson experience.

Skills

Swim instruction

Mentoring others

Communication

Leadership

Customer service

Education

CPR/AED/First Aid certification

YMCA certification preferred

Tools

Swim lesson curriculum

Job description

The Whatcom Family YMCA in Bellingham, WA is seeking a Lead Swim Instructor to lead by example, coach fellow instructors, and deliver high-quality YMCA swim lessons. This part-time role focuses on safety, skill progression, and creating a welcoming pool environment for swimmers of all ages.

You'll mentor staff, run in-service trainings, coordinate with the Aquatics Director on class assignments, and help families track progress while upholding YMCA values of health, youth development, and