Swim Instructor

Ymca-of-Greater-Brandywine; Exton (PA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Health insurance

Paid holidays and PTO

Babysitting while you work

Retirement plan

Tuition discounts

Training and development

Referral bonus

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is seeking a Swim Instructor to lead lessons within our structured program. You will engage participants, enforce safety policies, and provide excellent member service while following established aquatic promises.

Applicants must be 18+, have 2+ years of competitive swimming or teaching experience, and hold YSL certification. The role requires reliability, positive communication with families, and the ability to teach all core strokes.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• 2 years of competitive swimming experience or teaching lessons.
• YSL Certified.
• Ability to relate positively with children and adults.
• Demonstrate the five main swimming strokes.

Responsibilities

• Lead swim instruction to develop skills within the prescribed curriculum.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Greet participants, learn names, and communicate with parents/guardians.
• Assist in drills, events, and required trainings.
• Prepare and tidy pool area and follow safety policies.

Skills

Teaching swimming

Child interaction

Safety awareness

Job description

Embark on a Journey of Impactful AdventureThe Swim Instructor is responsible for leading instruction of our swim lesson program while providing excellent member service and engagement of program participants. The Swim Instructor will be responsible for carrying out and enforcing aquatic policies and procedures in compliance with statutes as described by the State of Pennsylvania, the YMCA of the USA, The YMCA of Greater Brandywine, lifeguard licensing agency Ellis and Associates, and YMCA insurance representatives.Who Are We?The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) was named a 2026 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for the third consecutive year. An association of nine YMCAs serving Chester County, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility through life-changing programs for all.Perks & BenefitsFree family YMCA membership, including outdoor poolsMedical, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid holidays and plentiful PTO for full-time employeesBabysitting while you work (up to 4 hours per day)Generous program discounts on childcare, camp, youth sports, swimming lessons and everyday essentials like home, auto, and pet insurance on our employee marketplace12% employer contribution to retirement savings upon reaching eligibility and optional 403B retirement savings plan upon hire.Employee Assistance ProgramContinuing education reimbursement, tuition discounts with Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata UniversityCareer development and paid trainingUnlimited referral bonus beginning at $300.00What you’ll doLead swim instruction to develop skills of all participants within prescribed curriculum.Assist in ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.Follow YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Aquatic Class Promises:Be a positive YMCA role model with an enthusiastic attitude.Instructors are expected to be at all scheduled classes, unless instructor received prior approval from supervisorClasses will start and end on time.Greet participants and learn their names.Identify your participants’ limitations and adapt your classes and/or provide modifications accordingly.Communicate positively and accurately with all the parents/guardians of participants.Participate in branch and swim lesson special events.Actively participate in all in-house required drills, including mock drills and monthly in-house trainings.Assist in setting up and cleaning up the pool deck and help in closing the pool if conditions are unsafe and alert a supervisor immediately. Follow the Association Thunder and Lightning Policy.Assist with the completion of progress reports, mid-session cards, greeting cards and birthdays to ensure all participants receive them in a timely manner.Ensure compliance with all YGBW policies and standard operating procedures.Perform other related duties as assigned.What You'll NeedMust be 18 years of age or olderMust have at least 2 years’ experience in competitive swimming or teaching lessonsMust be YSL CertifiedDemonstrate the ability to relate and positively interact with children and adultsBe able to demonstrate the five main components of swimming - freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and, preferably, butterflyObtain and maintain all new hire certifications and trainings within 90 days of hireWork Conditions and Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard. Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility. Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness. See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.Why You Need To ApplyNot meeting every single requirement? That’s perfectly okay! Research shows that women and marginalized groups are often hesitant to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications. If you’re excited about this role, don’t let a few mismatches in your experience hold you back. We want to see your application! You could be exactly what we’re looking for!