Lifeguard Instructor

YMCA; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA in Rock Hill, SC is seeking a Lifeguard Instructor to deliver American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED and First Aid courses. The role requires teaching according to ARC standards and creating a safe, engaging learning environment.

Primarily Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, with some weekday availability. You will maintain records, supervise in-water and classroom sessions, evaluate participants, and stay current with ARC updates.

Qualifications

• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor certification.
• Current ARC Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, First Aid, and Administering Emergency Oxygen certifications.
• Minimum age requirement as established by organizational policy (18+).
• Strong swimming and water rescue skills.
• Ability to demonstrate and teach all required lifeguarding skills.
• Effective communication and instructional skills.
• Ability to lift and move equipment and support in-water rescues as needed.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and conduct American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid courses in accordance with current Red Cross standards and curriculum.
• Ensure all course content, skill evaluations, and testing procedures comply with American Red Cross requirements.
• Maintain accurate course records, rosters, and certification documentation in required Paycor and Red Cross systems.
• Evaluate participant performance and provide clear, constructive feedback.
• Enforce safety standards during all in-water and classroom training sessions.
• Inspect and maintain training equipment (manikins, AED trainers, rescue tubes, etc.) to ensure readiness and compliance.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and professional learning environment.
• Communicate effectively with Aquatics leadership regarding course scheduling, enrollment, supplies, and participant progress.
• Stay current with American Red Cross updates, certifications, and instructor status requirements.
• Model professional behavior and emergency response readiness at all times.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Job description

Primarily Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday

Some availability weekdays/nights

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lifeguard Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality American Red Cross

Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid certification courses in strict adherence to American Red Cross standards and guidelines. This position ensures participants gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to prevent, recognize, and respond to aquatic emergencies. The Lifeguard Instructor maintains a safe and engaging learning environment while upholding organizational policies and safety protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and conduct American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid certification courses in accordance with current Red Cross standards and curriculum.
• Ensure all course content, skill evaluations, and testing procedures comply with American Red Cross requirements.
• Maintain accurate course records, rosters, and certification documentation in required Paycor and Red Cross systems.
• Evaluate participant performance and provide clear, constructive feedback.
• Enforce safety standards during all in-water and classroom training sessions.
• Inspect and maintain training equipment (manikins, AED trainers, rescue tubes, etc.) to ensure readiness and compliance.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and professional learning environment.
• Communicate effectively with Aquatics leadership regarding course scheduling, enrollment, supplies, and participant progress.
• Stay current with American Red Cross updates, certifications, and instructor status requirements.
• Model professional behavior and emergency response readiness at all times.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend required abuse risk management training.
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification.
• Current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, First Aid, and Administering Emergency Oxygen certifications.
• Minimum age requirement as established by organizational policy (typically 18 years or older).
• Strong swimming and water rescue skills.
• Ability to demonstrate and teach all required lifeguarding skills.
• Effective communication and instructional skills.
• Ability to lift and move equipment and support in‑water rescues as needed.

Preferred:

• Previous experience teach ing lifeguard or safety certification courses.
• Experience working in aquatic facilities or YMCA/recreation environments.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to swim 300+ yards continuously and perform water rescues.
• Ability to retrieve a 10-pound object from deep water.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, and move for extended periods.