Swim Instructor

The Swim Instructor is responsible for leading instruction of our swim lesson program while providing excellent member service and engagement of program participants. The Swim Instructor will enforce aquatic policies and procedures in compliance with statutes from the State of Pennsylvania, the YMCA of the USA, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, lifeguard licensing agency Ellis and Associates, and YMCA insurance representatives.

About Us

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) was named a 2026 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for the third consecutive year. An association of nine YMCAs serving Chester County, YGBW is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility through life-changing programs for all.

Responsibilities

• Lead swim instruction to develop skills of all participants within prescribed curriculum.
• Assist in ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Follow YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Aquatic Class Promises:
  • Be a positive YMCA role model with an enthusiastic attitude.
  • Instructors are expected to be at all scheduled classes unless prior approval is received from a supervisor.
  • Classes will start and end on time.
  • Greet participants and learn their names.
  • Identify participants’ limitations and adapt classes or provide modifications accordingly.
  • Communicate positively and accurately with parents/guardians of participants.
• Participate in branch and swim lesson special events.
• Actively participate in all in-house required drills, including mock drills and monthly in-house trainings.
• Assist in setting up and cleaning up the pool deck and help in closing the pool if conditions are unsafe; alert a supervisor immediately.
• Follow the Association Thunder and Lightning Policy.
• Assist with the completion of progress reports, mid-session cards, greeting cards, and birthday acknowledgments to ensure timely delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all YGBW policies and standard operating procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have at least 2 years’ experience in competitive swimming or teaching lessons.
• Must be YSL Certified.
• Demonstrate the ability to relate and positively interact with children and adults.
• Be able to demonstrate the five main components of swimming: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and preferably butterfly.
• Obtain and maintain all new hire certifications and trainings within 90 days of hire.

Work Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
• Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
• Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.
• See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility.

Benefits

• Free family YMCA membership, including outdoor pools.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid holidays and plentiful PTO for full-time employees.
• Babysitting while you work (up to 4 hours per day).
• Generous program discounts on childcare, camp, youth sports, swimming lessons, and everyday essentials like home, auto, and pet insurance on our employee marketplace.
• 12% employer contribution to retirement savings upon reaching eligibility and optional 403B retirement savings plan upon hire.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Continuing education reimbursement and tuition discounts with Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata University.
• Career development and paid training.
• Unlimited referral bonus beginning at $300.00.