Swim School Instructor

Community Center; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Job summary

The Peninsula Community Center in Redwood City is seeking a Substitute Swim School Instructor to provide water safety and swimming instruction to children. This role offers flexibility during the summer and supports the Swim School program by filling in for regular instructors.

The successful candidate will have strong swimming skills, CPR certification, and the ability to create a positive learning environment. Join us in fostering a safe and engaging atmosphere for young swimmers while collaborating with a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Provide water safety and swim instruction to children (ages 3+).
• Maintain familiarity with the Swim School curriculum.
• Strong swimming skills required.

Responsibilities

• Teach swimming techniques to students following curriculum.
• Arrive prepared and on time for substitute shifts.
• Support fellow instructors to ensure smooth lessons.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Confidence teaching water safety and swim technique

Ability to create engaging learning environment

Situational awareness for safety

Team-oriented mindset

Education

American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification

Must be at least 15 years old

American Red Cross Lifeguard certification preferred

Job description

Benefits

• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Peninsula Community Center, a ministry of Peninsula Covenant Church (PCC), builds community by providing personal, healthy, and meaningful connections through aquatics, fitness, tennis, and community programming. PCC is a vibrant and forward‑thinking church located in Redwood City, dedicated to serving our community and making a positive impact through our outreach programs including our Community Center. PCC employs over 150 seasonal and part‑time staff to support various community efforts. Our team thrives on flexibility, openness to change, and collaboration, with a shared passion for helping others and working together.

Principal Objective

The Substitute Swim School Instructor provides water safety and swim technique instruction to children. Swim lessons follow a semi‑private model (2:1 ratio) using the Peninsula Community Center Swim School Curriculum. This position provides coverage for scheduled instructor absences and supports the Swim School program as needed.

Principal Working Relationships

This position reports directly to the On Deck Supervisor(s) and collaborates closely with the Aquatics Coordinator, Aquatics Director, and fellow swim instructors. They also engage with parents, guardians, and students to foster a positive and supportive learning environment. Strong communication and teamwork with all Aquatics and Center staff are essential to ensuring a high-quality swim program.

Workweek

• Summer (June–August)
  • Must be available to accept substitute assignments between the hours of 3:30–6:30 PM on weekdays.
  • Attend all required training and meetings as assigned.
  • Hours will vary based on program needs and instructor absences.
    • Potential to become a recurring teaching role.
• Seasonal position running June–August; hours and shifts vary, with weekly hours ranging from 6-14.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Teach water safety and swimming techniques to students (ages 3+) and adhere to the Swim School Instructor Handbook.
• Arrive prepared and on time for assigned substitute shifts.
• Maintain familiarity with Swim School curriculum and lesson plans to ensure continuity for students.
• Communicate availability and scheduling changes promptly to Aquatics management.
• Support fellow instructors and supervisors to ensure lessons run smoothly when coverage is needed.
• Represent PCC professionally and collaborate with all Aquatics and Center staff to provide excellent service to members and guests.
• Other duties as they pertain to and aid in supporting the ministry's principal objectives.

Profile Skills and Core Competencies

• Strong communication skills with children, parents/guardians, and fellow staff members.
• Ability to create a positive, engaging, and safe learning environment for young swimmers.
• Confidence teaching foundational water safety skills and basic swim technique.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to maintain safety in a dynamic pool environment.
• Willingness to receive feedback and continuously improve teaching skills.
• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate effectively with supervisors and peers.

Experience / Education

• American Red Cross Adult, Child and Infant CPR, AED and First Aid certification required.
• Must be at least 15 years old with strong swimming skills.
• American Red Cross Lifeguard certification preferred.
• Prior swim team coaching or swim instructor experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be in the water and sun for extended periods.
• Must be able to hold children (ages 3-12) in the water, stand in the water, swim 300 yards continuously (breaststroke or freestyle), and tread water for two minutes without using arms.
• Must be able to perform all American Red Cross CPR skills.
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds occasionally and 15-20 pounds frequently.
• DOJ background clearance required.
• Must adhere to and model PCC’s Safe Church policies.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. They may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

EEO

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. PCC, as a legally recognized religious organization, can and may prefer applicants based on religion and related values to hire staff members who agree with and live out the church's beliefs.