Lifeguard Instructor

YMCA of Upper Palmetto; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of Upper Palmetto is seeking a Lifeguard Instructor to deliver American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid certification courses. The role emphasizes adherence to ARC standards, ensuring participants gain essential safety skills and confidence in aquatic environments.

The instructor will maintain accurate records, supervise in-water and classroom training, and promote a positive, inclusive learning atmosphere while coordinating with aquatics leadership on scheduling and supplies.

Qualifications

• Must hold current American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification.
• Must hold current American Red Cross Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, First Aid, and Administering Emergency Oxygen certifications.
• Minimum age as per policy (typically 18+).

Responsibilities

• Deliver ARC Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid courses per ARC standards.
• Ensure course content and testing meet ARC requirements.
• Maintain accurate class records and certification documentation.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and professional learning environment.

Skills

Strong swimming

Teaching/instructional skills

Effective communication

Education

American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI) certification

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.