Swim Instructor

Swim Instructor

Pay: $8.00-$10.00/hour
Job Type: Part-time
Schedule: Varies based on program needs. Applicants should be available for the listed lesson times. Availability for Northern Cambria swim lessons on Saturday mornings is preferred.

Tuesdays: 6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Thursdays: 6:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Position Summary

The YMCA of Indiana County is seeking a Swim Instructor to plan and lead swim lessons for participants of all ages and abilities. The Swim Instructor promotes water safety, swimming skill development, and confidence while creating a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment. This position provides excellent customer service to participants and families while demonstrating the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Essential Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct swim lessons according to YMCA curriculum and YMCA of Indiana County standards.
• Teach swimming techniques, water safety skills, and stroke development to participants of varying ages and abilities.
• Adapt instruction to meet individual participant needs and encourage skill progression and confidence.
• Continuously monitor participants and maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Track attendance, skill evaluations, and participant progress accurately.
• Build positive relationships with swimmers and their families and communicate regarding class progress, concerns, and program updates.
• Be available before and after classes to answer questions from parents and participants.
• Attend all scheduled classes and follow department procedures for reporting absences and obtaining coverage when applicable.
• Set up, inspect, and properly store instructional equipment before and after classes.
• Maintain a clean and safe pool deck, instructional equipment, and surrounding aquatic areas.
• Enforce pool rules and YMCA policies consistently and professionally.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and complete required incident documentation.
• Attend required staff meetings, in-service trainings, safety drills, and continuing education opportunities.
• Provide exceptional customer service and represent the YMCA in a positive and professional manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the Aquatics Department.

Employee Benefits

Every YMCA employee receives a free YMCA membership, along with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 14 years of age.
• Ability to swim proficiently and demonstrate swimming strokes and water safety skills.
• Strong knowledge of water safety principles and basic aquatic instruction techniques.
• Ability to teach participants of varying ages and skill levels.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to evaluate participant progress and adapt instruction as needed.
• Demonstrated reliability, responsibility, professionalism, and maturity.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
• Ability to remain in the water for extended periods while instructing swim lessons.
• Ability to safely assist swimmers of varying ages and abilities.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively during emergency situations.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and move around the pool deck throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 35 pounds.
• Previous experience teaching or assisting with swim lessons is preferred but not required.

Required Clearances & Certifications

• FBI Fingerprint Clearance required at hire.
• PA State Police PATCH required at hire.
• PA Child Abuse Clearance required at hire.
• Mandated Reporter training required at hire.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification required within 90 days of hire.
• Great American Academy certifications required within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience teaching or assisting with swim lessons.
• Experience working with children or youth.
• YMCA swim instructor training or certification.
• Availability for Northern Cambria swim lessons on Saturday mornings.
• Commitment to the YMCA mission and core values.