LIFEGUARD/SWIM INSTRUCTOR

Missoula YMCA; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Retirement plan contributions after a)

Part-time benefits

Job summary

The Missoula YMCA is seeking a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor to supervise swimming classes, plan sessions, and safely lead participants of various ages. This part-time position reports to the Director of Aquatics and works within a non-profit community setting.

Candidates should be at least 14, with CPR and First Aid certification; lifeguarding or swim instruction experience preferred or a willingness to train.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 14 years old.
• CPR and First Aid certifications required or obtainable at the Y.
• Lifeguarding and swim instruction experience preferred or willingness to be trained.
• Experience with children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Instructs participants in YMCA Swim Lesson programs.
• Take charge of group from beginning to end; learn names, assess needs and fears.
• Attend trainings and staff meetings with the Program Director and management.
• Know and enforce emergency procedures and safety regulations.
• Communicate with other Lifeguards, Instructors, and Management about concerns.
• Assist participants by providing information on rules and programs.
• Caution swimmers regarding unsafe behaviors.
• Fill out rosters, lesson plans and report cards to track progress.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lifeguarding

Swim instruction

Willingness to be trained

Education

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Lifeguarding Certification

Tools

Emergency procedures knowledge

Safety regulations enforcement

Job description

Description

Job Title: LIFEGUARD/SWIM INSTRUCTOR

Status: Y Job Grade 4, Part-time

Wage: $15.53 - 19.42/hr, depends on experience

Reports to: Director of Aquatics

Probation: Subject to a 12-month introductory (probationary) period

Posted date: 10/2026

POSITION SUMMARY: The LIFEGUARD/SWIM INSTRUCTOR is responsible for maintaining order in swimming classes at all times. Primary responsibility is to plan, organize and safely lead participants through swimming classes, teaching swimming skills to participants of various ages and backgrounds. Must be able to thrive in an environment with the unique challenges of a non-profit community service organization. Works with limited supervision.

BENEFITS: Part time employment benefits at the Y include a free individual membership with discounts to Y programs and classes, and retirement plan contributions after sufficient time worked.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Instructs participants in YMCA Swim Lesson programs.
• Take charge of group from beginning to end; learning names, talking to participants about their need, desires, and fears about the program.
• Attends monthly In-Service Trainings, and staff meetings with the Program Director and other management team members as requested as well as YMCA required trainings.
• Know and enforces emergency procedures and safety regulations in order ensure participant safety.
• Communicates with other Lifeguards, Instructors, and Management on any potential concerns related to the operation of the pool and Aquatics programs.
• Provides assistance to participants, providing information on rules and programs in a helpful and positive manner.
• Cautions swimmers regarding unsafe behaviors or areas.
• Adheres to Aquatics Department employee performance expectations. See Attached.
• Adheres to the Mission of the YMCA at all times and implements the Character Development traits of caring, honesty, respect & responsibility into the swim lessons program.
• Exemplify the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility when interacting with members, non-members, and other staff members.
• Smile and make connections with members and non-members
• Fill out roasters, lesson plans and report cards to track progress in lessons
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age is 14 years old
• Required – Certification in CPR, First Aid, can be obtained at the Y
• Preferred – Lifeguarding experience, and swim instruction experience or willingness to be trained
• Preferred – Experience with children or willingness to be trained

Requirements

• Required – Certification in CPR, First Aid and Lifeguarding, can be obtained at the Y
• Preferrred – Lifeguarding experience, and swim instruction experience or willingness to be trained
• Preferred – Experience with children or willingness to be trained