Swim Instructor

ymcapkccareers; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA membership

YMCA360 streaming membership

Flexible scheduling around school

Paid sick leave

Employee assistance plan (EAP)

Education & certification support

Job summary

YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties in Lakewood, WA is seeking a part-time Swim Instructor to guide beginners through advanced swimmers, delivering structured lessons and promoting water safety.

You will plan age-appropriate curricula, communicate with families, and participate in regular trainings. The role emphasizes inclusion, teamwork, and adherence to YMCA standards in a supportive aquatic program.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 15 years old.
• Six months or more of related experience preferred.
• Ability to demonstrate basic swimming skills and comfortable around water.
• Experience working with youth and diverse backgrounds.
• Must pass background and reference checks.
• Committed to diversity and inclusive environment.
• Completion of online Child Abuse Prevention training and other required trainings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare lesson plans with progression based on age and class level.
• Instruct swimming lessons safely per class level and YMCA guidelines.
• Enforce safety rules and policies for pool and aquatic area.
• Attend trainings and in-water drills as scheduled.
• Maintain positive relationships with members, participants, and staff.
• Complete reports and attendance records; support event and branch activities.

Skills

Age 15+

Experience

Swimming skills

Water safety

Diversity & inclusion

Background check ready

Team player

Education

CPR for the Professional Rescuer

AED

Basic First Aid

YMCA Swim Instructor certification

Job description

Swim Instructor Job Description

Position: Swim Instructor

Wage: $17.32 to $17.82 per hour (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)

Hours: Part-Time, Up to 25 hours per week

Location: Lakewood Family YMCA, Lakewood, WA

As a Swim Instructor, you will provide direct leadership, prepared instruction and motivation for students in swimming classes. If hired, you will instruct beginning to advanced swimming and safety skills according to age group and class swim level.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of age or older.
• Six months or more of related experience (preferred).
• Ability to demonstrate basic swimming skills.
• Comfort and enthusiasm for working in and around the water.
• Experience working with youth and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• Committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
• Certifications preferred: CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, and Basic First Aid certification. YMCA Swim Instructor certification or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with youth preferably in a program setting and diverse populations.
• Knowledge and skills in program activities and related aquatics and office equipment, and the ability to instruct participants in techniques.
• Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards. Experience preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare class lesson plans with a natural progression of appropriate skills for the abilities and ages of the classes.
• Safely instruct swimming lessons in basic and advanced stroke skills according to class swim level as assigned in accordance with YMCA guidelines.
• Know, understand, and consistently communicate and apply safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
• Attend monthly, quarterly and/or annual training courses as assigned.
• Attend and complete in-water training and drills as scheduled.
• Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
• Complete accident, incident reports, and rescue data sheets.
• Assist with keeping accurate records of lesson attendance, member usage charts, and safety inspections.
• Embraces and actively promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Parent communication utilizing session report cards.
• Meet performance measurement by telling the Y story and raising charitable dollars to fulfill our mission.
• Assist staff leadership team in reaching campaign goals through recruiting campaigners, making personal asks and supporting branch events.
• Participate in regular cleaning and sanitation protocols is required.
• Identify pool related hazards and perform cleaning and sanitation protocols.Staff are expected to adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including the use of PPE.
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• A Personal YMCA membership and YMCA360 virtual streaming membership
• Flexible scheduling around school and extracurricular activities Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center
• Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
• 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services and merchandise
• Part-Time employees who work more than 20 hrs./week are eligible for the below voluntary benefit options:
• HealthiestYou: by Teladoc (24/7 virtual general medical care access for non-emergency conditions)
• Willamette Dental Plan
• VSP Vision Plan

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

• Physically perform all essential functions of a Swim Instructor.
• Regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
• Frequently works in and around chlorinated water.
• Regularly swims, moves and trains in the pool.

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled

This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of this position. This document is not an exhaustive list and other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or assigned at any time with or without advanced notice.

This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties may exercise employment-at-will rights at any time.

By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read the document in its entirety and that you understand the requirements, essential functions, and job duties of this position. Further, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation(s), and that should you need assistance, that you are responsible for notifying your Director, Executive Director, and/or Human Resources.