Water Safety Swim Instructor (Part-Time, Year-Round)

Mountain Recreation; Gypsum (CO); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement savings with employer contribution

Employee Assistance Program

Complimentary access to facilities

20% off facility programs for employees

Job summary

A local recreation organization is seeking a responsible Swim Instructor to provide quality swim instruction and ensure safety at our facilities in Gypsum, CO. The ideal candidate will have strong swimming skills, effective communication, and the ability to engage learners of all ages. Responsibilities include teaching swim lessons, assessing swimmer progress, and assisting with water safety education. This part-time role requires evening, weekend, and holiday availability. Benefits include retirement savings and access to all facilities.

Qualifications

• Ability to lead swim classes achieving learning goals.
• Physical capability to perform all duties required.
• Minimum one-year experience with swimming instructional programs.

Responsibilities

• Deliver swim instruction according to standards.
• Assess swimmer skill levels and provide feedback.
• Ensure participant safety and comfort during programs.

Skills

Strong personal swimming skills

Effective communication skills

Teamwork skills

Organizational skills

Education

Valid State of Colorado driver’s license

First Aid/CPR certification

American Red Cross WSI Certification

Tools

Safety and rescue equipment

Chemical test kit

Pool vacuum

Job description

Overview

Mountain Recreation is seeking a responsible and enthusiastic Swim Instructor to provide high-quality swim instruction and support the safety and development of all patrons at our aquatic facilities. This role is responsible for teaching swim lessons, assessing swimmer progress, providing constructive feedback, and assisting with water safety education in accordance with American Red Cross standards. Ideal candidates are patient, skilled in swimming techniques, capable of engaging learners of all ages and abilities, and committed to creating a positive, encouraging, and safe environment for every participant.

Position Details

Job Title: Water Safety Swim Instructor

Location: Gypsum Recreation Center (Gypsum, CO), Gypsum Creek Pool (Gypsum, CO), Eagle Pool and Ice Rink (Eagle, CO)

Employment Type: Part-Time, Year-Round

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Overtime Eligible)

Schedule: Part-Time; Year-Round. Schedule is varied and may require evenings, weekends, and holidays. Hours vary depending upon program needs.

Supervision: Directly supervised by Aquatics Specialists, Coordinator, and Supervisor

Supervision Exercised: None

Work Environment and Physical Demands: Duties are performed in both indoor and outdoor aquatic environments. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

General Statement of Duties: Teach basic swimming levels and support advanced swim team programs by creating a safe, progressive, and enjoyable learning environment for all participants. Promote skill development, water safety, and confidence in swimmers of all ages and abilities. Work is performed under direct supervision with some independent judgment.

• Deliver swim instruction in accordance with American Red Cross or approved teaching standards.
• Plan and lead swim lessons and novice practices, developing and implementing age- and skill-appropriate curriculum.
• Assess swimmer skill levels and provide constructive feedback to help participants improve.
• Supervise participants in swim programs, ensuring their safety, progress, comfort, and enjoyment.
• Maintain continuous awareness of the pool and lesson participants to ensure safety.
• Communicate effectively with participants, parents, and staff, providing clear guidance and accurate information.
• Remain alert and attentive during lessons to respond to emergencies or unsafe behavior.
• Participate in required trainings, in-services, and maintain all required certifications.

Other Duties

• Assist with the setup and breakdown of instructional equipment and facilities.
• Complete required records, attendance sheets, and lesson documentation accurately.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of pools, locker rooms, and instructional equipment.
• Respond promptly to accidents or incidents, following established safety procedures.
• Serve as a Mandatory Reporter and report any suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect in accordance with policy.
• Support additional swim-related activities and programs, including coaching, special events, and swim initiatives.
• Assist lifeguards and other staff to ensure safe and efficient facility operations.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications

Competencies and Qualifications

Considerable knowledge: American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor program concepts, including learning development, stroke technique, water safety principles, program levels, teaching methods, lesson planning, and skill progressions.

• Strong personal swimming skills and proficiency in multiple strokes.
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead swim classes that achieve established learning goals.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to motivate and engage participants of all ages and abilities, particularly children.
• Physical capability to perform all duties required for safe and effective instruction.
• Exceptional teamwork skills, including the ability to follow direction, collaborate with colleagues, and foster positive, respectful relationships with staff, participants, and the public.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, manage lesson flow, and engage effectively with both parents and participants.

Tools and Equipment Used: Safety and rescue equipment, small hand tools for minor pool maintenance, phone/walkie-talkie, chemical test kit, pool vacuum, brushes, pressure washer, and various pool cleaning materials.

Requirements:

Education and experience:

• Be at least 16 years of age or older; AND
• Possess, or be able to obtain, a valid State of Colorado driver’s license; AND
• Minimum one-year previous work-related experience with swimming instructional programs or coaching; OR
• Any satisfactory combination of experience and training.

Certifications:

• Possess, or be able to obtain within 30 days of hire, a valid First Aid/CPR certification.
• American Red Cross WSI Certification (preferred, but not required).

Benefits

• Retirement Savings: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a)-retirement account.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access to mental health resources, life coaching, financial and legal consultation, and more through AllOne Health.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA.
• Facility Access & Memberships: Complimentary access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and a free membership to the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Program Discounts: 20% off facility programs for employees and immediate family members.
• Family Discounts: Discounted punch cards for immediate family members at the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Outdoor Gear Perks: Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Student scholarship programs available.
• Healthcare Options: Opportunity to enroll in Vail Valley Partnership’s One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program for employees and their families.

Mountain Recreation believes that everyone, including our staff, deserves to be healthy and happy. We foster a culture of accountability and flexibility while offering world-class benefits. For more details on employee benefits, visit: https://mountainrec.org/benefits-overview/

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mountain Recreation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Mountain Recreation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Residents: We are committed to fair hiring practices. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. This position will require the applicant to verify the meeting of a minimum age requirement of 16 years old as such requirement is a bona fide occupational qualification pertaining to public safety and required by law.