Swim Lesson Instructor

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 31,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is seeking a part-time Swim Instructor to lead youth swimming lessons and promote water safety. You will teach group and private classes, following YMCA guidelines and ensuring a fun, educational experience for kids and parents.

The role involves lesson planning, maintaining records, and supervising aides, with in-house certification provided for the right candidate. Join a supportive aquatic team dedicated to community wellbeing.

Qualifications

• At least 16 years of age.
• YMCA Swim Instructor certification.
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid certification and Emergency Oxygen (willing to train qualified candidates).
• Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Ability to maintain certification and level of physical and mental readiness.
• Must be detail oriented, accurate, and have strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Positive attitude with excellent communication and time management skills.
• Must be receptive to training and learning and willing to grow in the position.
• Possesses and demonstrates a strong understanding of the YMCA and its purpose, mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Instructs youth swimming lessons in accordance with YMCA guidelines.
• Lesson plans will be prepared accordingly.
• Builds authentic relationships with students and parents while helping them connect with each other and the YMCA.
• Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers.
• Maintains records as required (attendance, progress reports, etc.).
• Organizes and puts away class equipment along with reporting damaged equipment.
• Trains and supervises class aides as assigned.
• Conveys information on aquatics programs and schedules while appropriately referring students and parents to other programs.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures.
• Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Detail-oriented

Independent work

Teamwork

Positive attitude

Education

YMCA Swim Instructor certification

CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification

AED certification

Basic First Aid certification

Emergency Oxygen certification

Job description

• Sign-On Bonus: Receive a $200 bonus for part-time hires, paid after 30 days of employment. To qualify, part-time employees must work a minimum of 10 hours per week. Offer valid through September 30, 2026. Please refer to the Sign-On Bonus Policy for full eligibility requirements and details.
• Do you love the water? Help us build confident swimmers by teaching our youth how to swim - no certification, no worries! We'll certify you in-house!
• The best part of teaching students is watching them progress in their ability and in their water comfort
• If you are looking for an extra side hustle, this could be a great opportunity for you! Previous experience working with kids is a plus, but not necessary!
  

Description

• Sign-On Bonus: Receive a $200 bonus for part-time hires, paid after 30 days of employment. To qualify, part-time employees must work a minimum of 10 hours per week. Offer valid through September 30, 2026. Please refer to the Sign-On Bonus Policy for full eligibility requirements and details.
• Do you love the water? Help us build confident swimmers by teaching our youth how to swim - no certification, no worries! We'll certify you in-house!
• The best part of teaching students is watching them progress in their ability and in their water comfort
• If you are looking for an extra side hustle, this could be a great opportunity for you! Previous experience working with kids is a plus, but not necessary!
  

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: We are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: We value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: We believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: We support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: We are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Requirements

Position Title: Swim Instructor

Reports To: Aquatic Director

Department: Aquatics

Classification: Part-time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $22.50/hr for group lessons and $27.00/hr for private lessons

Position Summary

Instruct participants for both swimming and safety skills in water. Provide a fun and educational swim lesson experience for both participants and parents. Observe and enforce all rules and regulations of the Y to prevent accidents or emergency situations.

Essential Functions

• Instructs youth swimming lessons in accordance with YMCA guidelines
• Lesson plans will be prepared accordingly
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with students and parents while helping them connect with each other and the YMCA
• Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers
• Maintains records as required (attendance, progress reports, etc.)
• Organizes and puts away class equipment along with reporting damaged equipment
• Trains and supervises class aides as assigned
• Conveys information on aquatics programs and schedules while appropriately referring students and parents to other programs
• Attends staff meetings and training's as scheduled
• Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures
• Completes incident and accident reports as necessary

Qualifications

• At least 16 years of age
• YMCA Swim Instructor certification
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid certification and Emergency Oxygen (willing to train qualified candidates)
• Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards
• Ability to maintain certification and level of physical and mental readiness
• Must be detail oriented, accurate, and have strong communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Positive attitude with excellent communication and time management skills
• Must be receptive to training and learning and willing to grow in the position
• Possesses and demonstrates a strong understanding of the YMCA and its purpose, mission and values

Working Conditions

• Hot, humid environment
• Long periods of submersion in water
• Ability to work in a faced paced environment
• Ability to work in stressful situation and multitask
• Ability to instruct and observe participants in proper stroke techniques
• Ability to lift equipment, and to lift a small to average size child

Core Competencies

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.