Swim Lessons Instructor

City-of-Great-Fall; Great Falls (MT); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Scheels Aim High Big Sky Aquatic and Recreation Center is seeking an enthusiastic Swim Lessons Instructor to teach diverse levels and ages, ensuring student safety and progress. You will follow the ARC Learn-to-Swim program, demonstrate strokes, and provide constructive feedback to learners under supervision of the Aquatics Coordinator.

The role emphasizes safety, accurate attendance/reporting, and professional communication with participants and guardians.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 15 years old.
• Experience in a swim team format or swim instructor preferred.
• Knowledge of the 4 basic strokes is essential.
• Lifeguard or related safety certifications preferred; ability to obtain CPR/AED & First Aid within 6 months if not already certified.

Responsibilities

• Teach swimming lessons to students of all ages and skill levels per the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program.
• Demonstrate proper swimming techniques, strokes, and water safety skills.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback based on skill progression.
• Assess progress and adjust lesson plans to meet individual needs.
• Maintain a safe, positive learning environment and communicate progress with guardians.

Skills

Strong swimming skills

Safety minded

Strong communication skills

Excellent observation skills

Positive interpersonal skills

Education

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certificate (preferred)

Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification (preferred)

CPR/AED & First Aid certifications or ability to obtain within 6 months

Job description

Swim Lessons Instructors are responsible for teaching swimming lessons of various levels and age groups and ensuring the safety of the pool patrons at the Scheels Aim High Big Sky Aquatic and Recreation Center. Work is performed under the direction and supervision of the Aquatics Coordinator and other supervisory staff.

• Provides swim instruction to students of all ages and skill levels aligned with the American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program and promote water safety.
• Clearly demonstrates proper swimming techniques, strokes, and water safety skills as outlined in the program.
• Provides clear, constructive, and encouraging feedback to participants based on skill requirements and progression.
• Accurately assesses participants' swimming abilities and progress, adjusting lesson plans as needed within program guidelines to meet individual needs and learning styles.
• Ensures a safe and positive learning environment for all students.
• Communicates effectively and professionally with participants and their guardians regarding progress, expectations, and any concerns.
• Completes all necessary administrative tasks, including accurate attendance tracking, detailed progress reports using and incident reports according to established procedures.
• Strictly enforces policies, rules and regulations to maintain a safe swimming environment and facility. Promptly warn users of any existing safety hazards in order to prevent accidents and minimize or eliminate hazardous situations.
• Contacts emergency medical personnel for serious injuries and reports such incidents to the Aquatics Coordinator immediately.
• Reports facility or equipment failures or issues immediately to on duty supervisor.
• Performs all other duties as assigned and required.

• Must be at least 15 years old.
• Experience in a swim team format or swim instructor preferred.
• Knowledge of the 4 basic strokes is essential.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• American Red Cross, YMCA, Royal Canadian Lifesaving Association or equivalent Lifeguard Certificate, preferred.
• Current Water Safety Instructor (WSI), certification, preferred.
• Current CPR/AED & First Aid certifications or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Must be a skilled swimmer and able to pull weight through the water.
• Must be physically able to assist rescue someone drowning or injured in the water.
• Must possess or the ability to obtain a valid Montana driver's license within 6 months of employment.

• Ability to enforce pool regulations and rules while conducting classes to ensure a quality experience and safety of the patrons.
• Ability to work with students of all ages and abilities, preferably in an educational or instructional setting.
• Excellent and attentive observation skills.

• Ability to resolve problems and answer questions in a courteous and professional manner.
• Thorough knowledge of the use and applications of water rescue methods and lifesaving, first aid practices and techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, supervisors and the general public.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong Swimming Skills
• Safety Minded
• Strong Communication Skills, both oral and written
• Demonstrated Positive Interpersonal Skills

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not supervise staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an indoor environment. While performing the duties of this position, employees may be exposed to varied weather conditions such as heat, cold, and chemicals used in cleaning and sanitation of the pools.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to swim, stand, walk, sit, bend, crawl, twist, reach, ride and perform similar body movements. The employee must frequently lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move items over 50 pounds. When items are more than 50 pounds employees are encouraged to use a team lift. Possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to use pool equipment; the ability to talkand hear in person or by telephone; and the ability to see and read instructions.

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

The work week is Sunday through Saturday. Shifts will be in three-to-five-hour increments depending on programming, facility scheduling and hours of operation. This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime. Any overtime must be authorized by the Aquatics Coordinator prior to working.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.