Swim Instructor - Aquatics I

Job Summary

This on‑site position at the YMCA of Greater Seattle seeks outgoing Swim Instructors who enjoy teaching children and adults new skills, helping them achieve goals, and preparing them for future success. In this role you will teach water acclimation and safety, water movement and stamina, and stroke development and mechanics. Each year our Y’s teach thousands of people to swim and enjoy the water as a form of play and lifelong exercise.

Our Commitment to Equity

The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner.

Responsibilities

• Instruct swimming lessons as assigned in accordance with YMCA guidelines.
• Assist with maintaining safe swimming conditions in the pool, on deck and surrounding areas.
• Develop positive relationships with participants and parents, encouraging involvement and identifying potential volunteers.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures.
• Respond to emergency situations as needed.
• Complete incident and accident reports as necessary.
• Organize and put away needed class equipment; report damaged equipment.
• Convey basic information on YMCA programs and schedules to members and, as appropriate, refer members to other YMCA Total Health programs and/or staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate

• Loves teaching the joy of swimming to children and adults.
• Finds satisfaction in helping others learn and succeed.
• Can command a class of 1‑3 participants ages 3 and up, and teach parent/child classes with up to 10 parent/child pairs (20 participants total).
• Prioritizes participant safety while fostering thriving aquatic experiences.
• Thrives in a fast‑paced environment and can teach multiple instruction levels.

Qualifications

• 16 or more years of age.
• Current swim instructor certification from a recognized organization (e.g., Y‑USA) – we can facilitate certification if you do not yet have it.
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications.
• Current Administering Emergency Oxygen certification.
• Demonstrated ability to assist children and others in developing swimming skills.
• Ability to lift equipment and a small to average‑size child.
• Ability to teach skills to others.
• Ability to pass a swim competency test.
• Ability to obtain required certification within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
• Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful.
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively.

Code of Conduct for Applicants

All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements. Staff must be properly screened, trained, supervised, and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.

Benefits

• Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement with generous employer contributions.
• Free access to mental health resources.
• Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO).
• Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare, day camp, overnight camp, and outdoor leadership programs (25% for part‑time staff, 50% for full‑time staff; some benefits only for full‑time staff).

Pay

Hiring Range: $21.30 – $23.00 per hour, depending on experience.