Swim Instructor

YMCA of Greater Brandywine; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 17,908 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA membership

Health insurance

Paid holidays

PTO

Babysitting service

Program discounts

403B retirement contributions

Employee assistance program

Education reimbursement

Career development and training

Referral bonus

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Brandywine is seeking a dedicated Swim Instructor to lead classes and ensure safe, engaging experiences for participants. You will enforce aquatic policies and support learners across skill levels, while coordinating with families and staff.

Responsibilities include maintaining safety, greeting participants, and following the YMCA’s class promises. Prior swim instruction or teaching experience is preferred and ongoing training is provided.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years of age or older.
• Experience in competitive swimming or teaching lessons preferred.
• YMCA YSL certification within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to relate positively to children and adults.
• Knowledge of the five main swimming strokes.

Responsibilities

• Lead swim instruction to develop skills within the curriculum.
• Assist in ensuring the safety and well‑being of all participants.
• Greet participants, learn their names, and adapt classes as needed.
• Communicate positively with parents/guardians.
• Participate in branch and swim lesson events and required drills.
• Maintain pool area, assist with setup/cleanup and follow safety policies.

Skills

Swimming instruction

Child interaction

Safety awareness

Communication with parents

Job description

Embark on a Journey of Impactful Adventure

The 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!