Swim Instructor

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area; Lebanon (OH); On-site; USD 17,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary YMCA membership

Job summary

Countryside YMCA seeks a Swim Instructor to teach group lessons in the pool, following YMCA curriculum and safety rules. The role involves guiding learners of all ages and maintaining a positive learning environment at all times.

You will assess participants on day one, track progress, and communicate with families. Training, CPR/First Aid, and ongoing safety procedures are required in this community-focused program.

Qualifications

• Experience in teaching swim or working with youth and adults is a plus.
• Must be able to demonstrate proper stroke technique to YMCA standards.
• Dependable, on-time attendance and ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• In the water: teach lessons using YMCA curriculum; follow planned lessons.
• Keep constant eyes on swimmers to maintain safety; adapt instruction to learner needs.
• Record progress with attendance and skill sheets; complete progress reports for new sessions.

Skills

Swim instruction

Safety awareness

Patience with learners

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About the RoleHelp kids and adults gain confidence and safety in the water! At Countryside YMCA, our Swim Instructors teach swimming skills to participants of all ages while keeping every class safe, engaging, and fun. Reporting to the Swim Lesson Director, you’ll lead small-group lessons using the YMCA Swim Lessons curriculum and follow our aquatic policies to create a positive learning environment. As part of the Y, a nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, your work directly strengthens our community.What You’ll DoIn the waterTeach lessons using prepared lesson plans that follow YMCA curriculum standardsKeep constant eyes on every swimmer and maintain a safe class at all timesKeep classes active so participants get the most out of their time in the poolAdapt instruction to each learner’s needs, whether teaching children or adultsCelebrate progress and good behavior with positive reinforcementAssess each participant’s skills on the first day and let your supervisor know if anyone should be moved to a different levelTracking progressKeep skill sheets current with accurate records of attendance and skills achievedComplete and hand out progress reports before each new registration session opensMaintain attendance and other required recordsConnecting with familiesBuild genuine relationships with swimmers and their families and help them feel part of the Y communityEncourage parent involvement and identify families who may be interested in volunteeringTeam and safety responsibilitiesSet up and put away class equipmentFollow all YMCA and pool policies, including emergency and safety procedures, and help complete incident or accident reports when neededAttend scheduled trainings and help train new instructors when askedCommunicate time-off requests to your supervisor and secure a qualified sub for any schedule conflictsWhat We’re Looking ForMinimum age of 16High school diploma or equivalentSwim instruction experience is a plus, but we’ll train the right personAbility to demonstrate swim instruction skills and proper stroke technique to YMCA standardsDependable, on-time attendanceBackground check required for staff 18 and olderCertificationsBasic Life Support (CPR with Oxygen) and Basic First Aid, obtained and kept currentCompletion of YMCA Swim Lessons (YSL) training and any additional training offered by the Aquatic DirectorWork Environment and Physical DemandsStrong swimming ability and the ability to apply rescue and first aid techniquesRegularly enter the water for instruction and trainingStand, kneel, bend, stoop, and reach overheadLift up to 25 lbs. occasionally and remove individuals from the pool to the deck during a rescueCommunicate clearly, both verbally and in writing; read situations, solve problems, and stay calm with upset or dissatisfied membersWork in a wet, humid pool environment with exposure to pool chemicals and noise levels that vary with programmingPerksStaff who work at least 16 hours per quarter receive a complimentary individual YMCA membership.AccommodationsCandidates must be able to perform the essential duties of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Our Commitment to Child SafetyCountryside YMCA is committed to the safety of every child and vulnerable individual in our care. We follow best practices in abuse prevention, including thorough screening, ongoing training, and clear behavioral expectations for all staff and volunteers. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and take every allegation and concern seriously. All employees must follow our child protection policies, complete required training, and report suspicious or inappropriate behavior right away.Countryside YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.