Swim Instructor

YMCA of Greater Brandywine; West Chester (IA); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 2,617,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free family YMCA membership

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Babysitting while you work

Program discounts on childcare, camp,•

Retirement savings with employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Education reimbursement

Career development and paid training

Referral bonus

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Brandywine in West Chester, PA is seeking a Swim Instructor to lead lesson programs and ensure participant safety. You will greet families, follow curriculum, adapt classes, and communicate with parents while upholding aquatic policies and YMCA standards.

The role requires 16+ and YMCA YSL certification within 6 months, with a focus on reliability, teamwork, and positive role modeling in a dynamic aquatic environment.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• Experience in competitive swimming or teaching lessons preferred.
• Obtain and maintain YMCA YSL certification within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrate ability to relate and positively interact with children and adults.
• Be able to demonstrate the five main components of swimming - freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and, preferably, butterfly.
• Obtain and maintain all new hire certifications and trainings within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead swim instruction to develop skills of all participants within prescribed curriculum.
• Assist in ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Follow Aquatic Class Promises: Be a positive YMCA role model with an enthusiastic attitude.
• Be present for all scheduled classes, unless prior approval is given.
• Classes start and end on time.
• Greet participants and learn their names.
• Identify participants' limitations and adapt classes or provide modifications.
• Communicate positively with parents/guardians.
• Participate in branch and swim lesson events and required drills.
• Assist with pool setup/cleanup and closing when unsafe conditions arise.
• Follow the association policies and procedures.

Skills

Relate to children and adults

Safety awareness

Effective communication

Education

YMCA YSL certification within 6 months of hire

Complete new hire certifications within 90 days

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: West Chester Area YMCA - West Chester , PA 19380, Salary Range: $15.00 - $19.06 Hourly, Job Category: Aquatics, Embark on a Journey of Impactful AdventureThe Swim Instructor is responsible for assisting with the 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 2025 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for a second 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 & Benefits

• Free family YMCA membership, including outdoor pools
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid holidays and plentiful PTO for full-time employees
• Babysitting while you work (up to 4 hours per day)
• Generous program discounts on childcare, camp, youth sports, swimming lessons and more!
• 12% employer contribution to retirement savings upon reaching eligibility and optional 403B retirement savings plan upon hire.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education reimbursement, tuition discounts with Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata University
• Career development and paid training
• Unlimited referral bonus beginning at $300.00

What You’ll Do

• Lead 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 supervisor
• Classes 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.

Qualifications: What You'll Need

• Must be 16 years of age or older
• Experience in competitive swimming or teaching lessons preferred
• Obtain and maintain YMCA YSL certification within 6 months of hire
• Demonstrate the ability to relate and positively interact with children and adults
• Be able to demonstrate the five main components of swimming - freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and, preferably, butterfly
• Obtain and maintain all new hire certifications and trainings within 90 days of hire

Work Conditions and Physical Demands

The 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 Apply

Not 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!