Swim Instructor

Southeast Ventura County YMCA; Thousand Oaks (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Ventura County YMCA in Thousand Oaks is seeking Swim Instructors to lead engaging and safe swim lessons for participants of all ages and skill levels at our YMCA pools. This role centers on teaching, relationship-building, and creating a positive learning environment that supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Swim Instructors deliver high-quality instruction, follow YMCA-approved curriculum, and promote water safety.

Qualifications

• Must obtain YMCA of the USA Swim Lesson Instructor (YSL) certification within 30 days of hire (if not already certified).
• Must obtain CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications within 30 days of hire.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage effectively with participants of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to follow direction, work independently, and contribute as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Plans and delivers swim lessons using YMCA-approved curriculum and skill progressions.
• Creates a positive, engaging, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Ensures adequate practice time for participants to develop skills and build confidence.
• Provides clear instruction, feedback, and encouragement to support skill development.
• Recognizes and corrects improper techniques using constructive and positive coaching.
• Promotes water safety, personal growth, and enjoyment in every lesson.
• Maintains awareness of participants and surrounding pool environment to support overall safety.
• Communicates and enforces pool rules, policies, and guidelines.
• Ensures instructional equipment is available, properly set up, and in good working condition.
• Maintains accurate class records and participant progress as required.
• Responds appropriately to incidents and follows YMCA procedures for reporting.

Job description

POSTION SUMMARY

We are seeking Swim Instructors to lead engaging and safe swim lessons for participants of all ages and skill levels at our YMCA pools. This role is centered on teaching, relationship-building, and creating a positive learning environment that supports youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Description

Swim Instructors are responsible for delivering high-quality instruction while maintaining a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all participants. This position focuses on instruction and water safety education and does not include lifeguarding responsibilities.

Essential Functions

• Plans and delivers swim lessons using YMCA-approved curriculum and skill progressions.
• Creates a positive, engaging, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Ensures adequate practice time for participants to develop skills and build confidence.
• Provides clear instruction, feedback, and encouragement to support skill development.
• Recognizes and corrects improper techniques using constructive and positive coaching.
• Promotes water safety, personal growth, and enjoyment in every lesson.
• Maintains awareness of participants and surrounding pool environment to support overall safety.
• Communicates and enforces pool rules, policies, and guidelines.
• Ensures instructional equipment is available, properly set up, and in good working condition.
• Maintains accurate class records and participant progress as required.
• Responds appropriately to incidents and follows YMCA procedures for reporting.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 16 years old.
• Must be comfortable working in and around water and able to demonstrate basic swim skills.
• Previous swim instruction experience preferred, but not required.
• Must obtain YMCA of the USA Swim Lesson Instructor (YSL) certification within 30 days of hire (if not already certified).
• Must obtain CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications within 30 days of hire.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to engage effectively with participants of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to follow direction, work independently, and contribute as part of a team.
• All required pre-employment and online trainings must be completed prior to starting work (paid as applicable).
• Criminal background clearance required for candidates 18 years and older.

Physical Demands

• Ability to be in the water for extended periods of time (2-4 hours per shift).
• Ability to effectively communicate with participants and parents/guardians.
• Ability to lift and move equipment and assist participants as needed.
• Ability to observe participants and maintain awareness of the pool environment.
• Ability to demonstrate swim skills and instructional