Swim Instructor (Year Round)

Greater Austin YMCA; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Greater Austin YMCA is seeking a part-time Swim Instructor in Austin, TX. The role requires teaching swimming, enforcing pool safety, and engaging with families to support progress and confidence in water.

You will monitor class safety, arrive early, document attendance, and contribute to a positive, inclusive environment. A 16+ age minimum and current First Aid/CPR/AED certifications are required.

Qualifications

• Must be 16+ years old.
• Excellent swimming skills and ability to teach various techniques.
• Remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
• Swim Instructor experience is a plus.
• Current certifications in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen.
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor or ARC Water Safety Instructor certifications preferred.
• Growth mindset and willingness to learn from feedback.
• Team player with a positive, service-oriented attitude.
• Effective communication – listening and speaking clearly.
• Customer-focused and able to build relationships with members.
• Fosters inclusion and belonging within the team.

Responsibilities

• Proactively monitor pool areas and enforce safety rules to prevent accidents.
• Connect with participants and families, offering constructive feedback and encouraging progress.
• Arrive early, ready to teach, and manage class transitions seamlessly.
• Never leave the pool unattended; actively engage with swimmers and ensure safety.
• Maintain accurate attendance, progress, and evaluations for continuous improvement.
• Inform members about pool rules and safety procedures; encourage compliance.
• Provide first aid as needed and document incidents accurately.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in pool area and locker rooms.
• Attend trainings and staff meetings to stay updated on safety procedures.
• Demonstrate YMCA values in interactions and foster a culture of respect and belonging.

Skills

Swimming instruction

Classroom management

Safety awareness

Customer service

Team player

Education

First Aid certification

CPR/AED certification

Emergency Oxygen certification

Job description

Why Your Role Matters

Swimming lessons are vital for everyone, especially children. Not only do they reduce the risk of drowning, but they also provide an enjoyable way to stay active and promote healthy living from an early age. As a Swim Instructor at the Greater Austin YMCA, you play a key role in creating an experience where participants develop a love and respect for water while building confidence that lasts a lifetime.

We are looking for swim instructors that can work a flexible schedule of 15 to 28 hours per week.

How You Make An Impact

• Proactively monitor pool areas and enforce safety rules to prevent accidents, creating a secure space where members can enjoy the water with confidence.
• Connect with participants and families, offering constructive feedback and encouraging progress.
• Arrive early, ready to teach, and manage class transitions seamlessly to maintain flow.
• Never leave the pool unattended; actively engage with swimmers, ensuring safety and effective instruction.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, progress, and evaluations to support continuous improvement.
• Inform members about pool rules and safety procedures, encouraging compliance and helping them feel secure while engaging in water-based activities.
• Provide first aid as needed, ensuring timely and accurate incident documentation and reporting.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the pool area and locker rooms, ensuring a pleasant, hygienic space where members can relax and enjoy their time.
• Attend all required trainings and staff meetings to stay up-to-date with safety procedures and best practices, improving your skills and enhancing your impact.
• Demonstrate YMCA's purpose and values in all interactions, helping to create a culture of respect, care, and community.
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization, sharing the Y's work and culture with members, peers, and guests and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Assist with any other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall success and positive atmosphere of the YMCA.

What You Bring To The Y

• Must be a minimum of 16 years old.
• Excellent swimming skills with the ability to teach various swimming techniques.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
• Swim Instructor Experience is a plus.
• Current certifications in First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen.
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor or American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certifications preferred
• You have a growth mindset -You quickly learn from failure and value feedback in an effort to continuously improve.
• You are a team player--You are a team player with a positive, service-oriented attitude and can work well with others.
• You communicate effectively -You listen for understanding and meaning. You speak and writeeffectively.
• You are customer-focused -- You build good customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• You foster a culture of inclusion and belonging -You leverage people's differences as strengths.

Physical Requirements

This position requires working in a pool environment, with exposure to water, chlorine, and varying temperatures. The Swim Instructor must be able to stand, walk, swim, and remain alert for extended periods. You will be required to demonstrate swimming techniques, perform strokes, and actively engage with participants in the water. Effective communication is essential to program participants. Additionally, you must be able to assist swimmers and lift or guide participants as needed to support their learning and development. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.