Swim Lesson Instructor I

YMCA of Greenville; Greenville (SC); On-site; USD 16,531,000 - 24,797,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Earned wage access

Free YMCA membership

Program discounts

Retirement contributions

403b Retirement Savings Plan

Job summary

The YMCA of Greenville is seeking a part‑time Swim Lesson Instructor I to lead swim classes and aquatics programs with a focus on safety, skill development, and exceptional customer service. You will ensure a welcoming, clean, and organized environment while delivering high‑quality instruction.

Responsibilities include preparing lessons, providing feedback, greeting participants, and maintaining safety standards; certifications must be current and relevant to aquatics.

Qualifications

• Experience in aquatics instruction, lifeguarding, or youth programming preferred.
• Maintain current instructional certifications relevant to aquatics.
• Minimum age 16 years old (or 15 with valid Red Cross or similar certification).
• Strong communication and customer service skills with enthusiasm for youth development and safety.
• Ability to enforce policies, respond calmly in emergencies, and lead structured swim instruction.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and lead assigned swim classes with structure, methods, and equipment.
• Keep lessons dynamic by adding skills, drills, and progressions.
• Provide timely feedback to participants or parents about progress.
• Greet and welcome participants to create a positive class tone; address needs or concerns promptly.
• Maintain a clean, safe, fully stocked, organized work area; report equipment needs promptly.
• Wear the required uniform and uphold YMCA branding standards; maintain current certifications.
• Maintain vigilance in supervising aquatic environments and follow safety procedures.
• Attend required abuse risk management training and adhere to related procedures.

Skills

Aquatics Instruction

Customer Service

Safety

Communication

Youth Development

Job description

The YMCA of Greenville is a dynamic and rapidly growing association that seeks to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Swim Lesson Instructor I supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This position provides a superior experience to members and participants by leading swim lessons and aquatics programs in a safe, effective, and engaging manner. The Swim Lesson Instructor I is also responsible for delivering exceptional customer service, promoting skill development, maintaining safety standards, and helping ensure the aquatics environment is clean, organized, and welcoming.

Not only will you be part of amazing mission driven work, we offer the following benefits for our Part‑time Staff

• Work Today, Get Paid Today!!! Instant access to your earned wages before payday.
• Free individual Y membership, with 75% discount on upgraded memberships.
• 50% Discount on Programs, including Childcare, sports, aquatics, and Personal Training.
• 12% Retirement Contribution once fully vested.
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan.

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In 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

above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Instruction & Program Delivery

• Prepare and lead assigned swim classes with appropriate structure, instructional methods, and equipment.
• Keep lessons dynamic by incorporating new skills, drills, and progressions to support ongoing development.
• Provide timely, accurate, and constructive feedback to participants (or their parents) about their progress and areas for improvement.

Participant Engagement & Customer Service

• Greet and welcome participants at the beginning of each class to create a positive and engaging tone.
• Respond appropriately and promptly to all member and guest needs or concerns, escalating unresolved issues to the supervisor.

Facility & Equipment Care

• Maintain a clean, safe, fully stocked, and organized work area.
• Report equipment needs or concerns to the supervisor promptly.
• Ensure all aquatics equipment is properly cleaned and stored after each session.

Professional Standards

• Wear the required uniform to uphold a professional appearance and align with YMCA branding standards.
• Maintain current instructional certifications relevant to the position.

Child Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain vigilance in supervising aquatic environments, including locker rooms, restrooms, and storage areas.
• Consistently follow safety procedures during instruction, transitions, and emergencies.

Other Expectations

• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attend/complete required abuse risk management training
• Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Follow mandated reporting requirements.
• Adhere to job specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
• Maintenance Employees-ensure unused rooms and closets remain locked; routinely monitor high-risk locations (locker-rooms and bathrooms), etc.
• Shifts May Vary*
• Minimum age 16 years old (or 15 with valid Red Cross or similar certification).
• Experience in aquatics instruction, lifeguarding, or youth programming preferred.
• Strong communication and customer service skills with enthusiasm for youth development and safety.
• Ability to enforce policies, respond calmly in emergencies, and lead structured swim instruction.

Certifications Required (within specified timeframes)

• Bloodborne Pathogens Training - within 30 days
• CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification - within 30 days
• YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor (YSLI) Certification - within 6 months