Swim Instructor (Part Time)

Spectrum 360 A NJ Non Profit Corp.; Summit (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA individual membership

Discounted YMCA family membership

12% YMCA retirement contribution

A fun, supportive work environment

Job summary

Summit Area YMCA in Summit, NJ is seeking part-time Swim Instructors to teach or assist with lessons for all ages. You will create a safe, engaging learning environment and help participants develop water safety and swimming skills.

We welcome both experienced instructors and those eager to learn; YMCA certification training is provided as you gain experience. Flexible shifts, up to 25 hours weekly, with competitive hourly pay of $17–$20 depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching swim lessons or background in competitive swimming, lifeguarding, or aquatic programs.
• Willing to obtain YSL certification training as needed.
• Be at least 15 years old and able to obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certifications.

Responsibilities

• Teach or assist with swim lessons for participants of all ages and skill levels.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.
• Help participants develop swimming skills, water safety knowledge, and confidence.
• Provide encouragement, feedback, and individualized instruction based on participant needs.
• Maintain active supervision throughout each lesson.
• Assist with class setup, equipment, and cleanup.
• Follow YMCA safety standards and emergency procedures.
• Build positive relationships with participants and families.

Skills

Patience

Communication

Water safety knowledge

Customer service

Tools

YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (YSL) certification

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification

CPR for the Professional Rescuer / AED / First Aid

Job description

Job Type

Part-time

Description

Do you love being in the water? Whether you're already an experienced swim instructor or you're a competitive swimmer looking to turn your passion into teaching, we'd love to meet you.

At the Summit Area YMCA, every swim lesson is more than learning stroke. It is about building confidence, teaching lifesaving skills, and helping children and adults feel safe in and around the water. What you do matters. Every single day.

We're hiring Swim Instructors for our growing aquatics program. We welcome both experienced instructors and individuals who are excited to learn. Candidates may be hired as either a Swim Instructor or Assistant Swim Instructor based on their experience, certifications, and teaching skills. Assistant Swim Instructors work alongside experienced instructors while developing the knowledge and confidence to become certified YMCA Swim Lesson Instructors. YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (YSL) certification training is provided as employees gain experience and when certification courses are available.

You May Be the Right Fit If You:

• Love working with children and helping others build confidence.
• Enjoy being in and around the water.
• Have experience teaching swim lessons or have a background in competitive swimming, swim team, lifeguarding, or aquatic programs.
• Are patient, encouraging, and dependable.
• Communicate effectively with children, families, and fellow staff.
• Want to grow your skills through training and professional development.

What You'll Do:

• Teach or assist with swim lessons for participants of all ages and skill levels.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.
• Help participants develop swimming skills, water safety knowledge, and confidence.
• Provide encouragement, feedback, and individualized instruction based on participant needs.
• Maintain active supervision throughout each lesson.
• Assist with class setup, equipment, and cleanup.
• Follow YMCA safety standards and emergency procedures.
• Build positive relationships with participants and families.

Schedule & Compensation

This is a part-time position with the opportunity to work up to 25 hours per week.

Current staffing needs include:

• Tuesday & Wednesday: 3:15 PM - 6:15 PM
• Friday: 3:15 PM - 7:30 PM
• Saturday: 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:45 PM - 7:00 PM
• Sunday: 2:45 PM - 6:00 PM

Flexible scheduling is available, and applicants do not need to be available for every shift. Candidates who are available for multiple shifts are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation: $17.00-$20.00 per hour, based on experience, certifications, and qualifications.

Part-Time Benefits

• Free YMCA individual membership
• Discounted YMCA family membership
• 12% YMCA retirement contribution upon eligibility
• A fun, supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact in your community

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you're from, we believe that we're stronger when we come together.

Requirements

We're looking for candidates who are either:

• Certified YMCA Swim Lesson Instructors (YSL)
• Certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors (WSI)
• Experienced swim lesson instructors with at least two years of teaching experience
• Strong swimmers interested in learning to teach through our Assistant Swim Instructor pathway

All applicants must:

• Be at least 15 years old
• Be comfortable and confident in the water
• Possess strong communication and customer service skills
• Be able to obtain CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications
• Be willing to complete YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (YSL) certification, if needed, as training becomes available.

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. The swim Instructor must be able to remain in water for up to 4.5 hours at a time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; reach with hands or arms; lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may be required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.