Swim Instructor

norm waitt sr. ymca | siouxland ymca; South Sioux City (NE); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA in Nebraska seeks a Part-Time Swim Instructor to deliver safe, engaging lessons and encourage confidence in the water. You will follow YMCA curriculum, communicate with families, and maintain records while upholding the YMCA’s core values.

The role requires certifications (YMCA/Red Cross swim instruction, CPR/First Aid, and mandated reporting). Prior aquatic instruction experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old and able to obtain required certifications.
• Certification in YMCA/Red Cross swimming instruction or equivalent is required.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Certification, or willingness to obtain upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe and engaging swim lessons aligned with YMCA curriculum.
• Foster an encouraging environment to build participant confidence.
• Communicate progress and class expectations with parents/guardians.
• Maintain attendance and lesson records.
• Set up and store equipment; report maintenance concerns.
• Ensure participant safety at all times and respond to incidents.
• Collaborate with instructors and lifeguards to support program success.
• Attend in-service trainings and staff meetings.
• Uphold YMCA policies and represent the organization professionally.
• Model YMCA values and the Y-Voice in interactions with participants.
• Perform other duties to support YMCA mission and goals.

Skills

Swimming instruction

Safety awareness

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

YMCA Swim Instructor certification

Red Cross Swim Instructor certification

CPR/AED and First Aid Certification

Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Certification

Job description

POSITION DETAILS:

Job Title: Swim Instructor
Status: Part Time Non-Exempt
Department: Aquatics
Reports to: Director of Healthy Living

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Swim Instructor plays a vital role in advancing the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and one another. This position delivers high-quality swim instruction focused on safety, skill-building, and confidence in the water. Through positive encouragement, clear communication, and technical guidance, the Swim Instructor helps create a welcoming and supportive environment for participants of all ages. Guided by the YMCA’s core values—Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility—we foster a culture that is Welcoming, Genuine, Hopeful, Nurturing, and Determined.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Lead safe and engaging swim lessons aligned with YMCA curriculum and water safety standards.
2. Foster an encouraging learning environment that builds participant confidence and competence.
3. Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about progress and class expectations.
4. Maintain accurate attendance and lesson records.
5. Set up and store equipment properly; report any maintenance concerns.
6. Ensure participant safety at all times and respond appropriately to incidents.
7. Collaborate with fellow instructors and lifeguards to support overall program success.
8. Attend and actively participate in required in-service trainings and staff meetings.
9. Uphold YMCA policies and represent the organization with professionalism, integrity, and respect.
10. Model YMCA core values and us the Y-Voice: Welcoming, Hopeful, Determined, Genuine, and Nurturing.
11. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the YMCA’s mission and strategic goals.

YMCA COMPETENCY AREAS:

• Developing Self & Others: Supports skill development and personal growth in youth and peers.
• Communication & Influence: Builds relationships and keeps families informed with clarity and care.
• Emotional Maturity: Remains calm, patient, and positive in high-energy and aquatic settings.
• Program/Project Management: Delivers lessons with consistency, structure, and attention to safety.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Certification in YMCA Swim Instructor, YMCA-approved training, Red Cross Swim Instructor or equivalent.
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to demonstrate swim skills and maintain certification-level readiness.
• Previous experience working with children in aquatic or instructional settings preferred.
• Understands that the YMCA is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

REQUIRED TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS (or willingness to obtain upon hire):

• Bloodborne Pathogens Training (or equivalent approved by the YMCA)
• Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Certification
• Emergency Procedures Training
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• YMCA Swim Instructor, Red Cross Swim Instructor or equivalent certification

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to demonstrate swimming skills, instruct from the water, and supervise participants.
• Frequent standing, bending, and lifting (up to 25 lbs.).
• Must be able to lift small to average-sized children as needed.
• Exposure to humid, wet, or noisy conditions typical in a pool environment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

This role directly contributes to the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA’s mission by creating transformational experiences
through meaningful connections, quality service, and a welcoming environment. In doing so, it strengthens
both our Siouxland community and the broader impact of the YMCA across the country.