Swim Instructor

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is seeking a Swim Instructor to join its Aquatics team. You will deliver group and private lessons, uphold YMCA safety standards, and maintain certifications.

You will help create a welcoming environment that supports the physical and emotional well-being of participants, members, and guests. Responsibilities include implementing curricula, preparing lesson plans, maintaining records, enforcing pool rules, assisting lifeguards in emergencies, attending trainings,

Qualifications

• Must be at least 15 years of age.
• Certification in YMCA Swim Lessons or ARC Water Safety Instructor, CPR, First Aid, AED and Oxygen or complete YMCA’s Aquatics Academy.
• Ability to teach diverse youth with age-appropriate methods.
• Physically able to respond to emergencies and rescue situations.
• Demonstrates YMCA Team competencies from prior experience.

Responsibilities

• Effectively implements YMCA swim curricula for various levels and populations.
• Prepares progressive lesson plans to enhance participant experiences.
• Maintains attendance records, skills sheets, progress reports, and Certificates of Achievement.
• Enforces aquatic rules and policies with vigilant supervision.
• Acts as secondary responder in injuries or emergencies and supports lifeguards.
• Reports injuries and completes required forms.
• Sets up and stores equipment; notifies supervisor of hazards.
• Attends all in-service trainings and staff meetings.
• Keeps certifications current in HR records system.
• Supports YMCA mission and leadership of team members (Level 3).
• Provides leadership to other team members.

Skills

Curriculum implementation

Safety focus

Instructional skills

Leadership

Education

YMCA Swim Lessons / ARC Water Safety Instructor

CPR

First Aid

AED

Oxygen certification

Job description

The Swim Instructor is an essential member of the Aquatics team, responsible for delivering both group and private swim lessons to participants. They ensure that the curriculum, instructional quality, safety, certifications, and other requirements meet YMCA standards. The role focuses on providing an exceptional experience for each swimmer and fosters a safe, welcoming environment that supports the physical and emotional well-being of program participants, members, and guests. The Swim Instructor upholds and maintains their swim instructor certification, along with certifications in CPR, First Aid, AED, and Oxygen Administration. Swim Instructors must also consistently participate in quarterly in-service training sessions to ensure the highest level of competency and readiness.

Scope of Responsibilities

• Effectively implements YMCA swim curricula for various levels and populations depending on class needs as outlined by the standards of the YMCA.
• Prepares progressive lesson plans to enhance the experience of program participants.
• Prepares reports and maintains records, including attendance records, skills sheets, progress reports, and monthly Certificates of Achievement.
• Enforces aquatic rules and policies by maintaining constant surveillance of class participants by not turning their back to the class.
• Acts as a secondary responder in case of injury, accident, or illness in pool area and provides backup to lifeguards as needed in emergencies and crowd control.
• Reports injuries and completes required forms.
• Sets up the facility or equipment, and stores equipment upon completion of class. Immediately notify the supervisor of any broken equipment or unsafe aspects of the pool.
• Attends all in-service trainings and staff meetings as scheduled by supervisor or center leadership.
• Maintains job-related certifications and documents completion of certifications in the HR information system
• Supports the mission and vision of the YMCA as assigned
• Provides leadership to other team members (Level 3)

Qualifications

Must be at least 15 years of age.

• Current certification YMCA Swim Lessons or ARC Water Safety Instructor, CPR, First Aid, AED and Oxygen certification or must successfully complete the YMCA’s Aquatics Academy training program resulting in certification.
• Passion for working with diverse youth and ability to provide a high-quality of instruction using age-appropriate practices
• Physical mobility to properly use aquatic equipment to rescue a 200 lb. person.
• Must be mentally alert to dangerous situations in order to assure the safety of all swimmers.
• Must be physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR and First Aide effectively.
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Team competencies in previous experience or practice
• Meets physical qualifications required for certification in job