Swim Instructor - Washington D.C.: 2025-3504
Headfirst Summer Camp Swim Instructors
Bring Camp to Life
Responsible for the utmost safety of the pool and all participants in the swim program
Teach small groups of 4 to 6 campers in pre-written instructional swim curriculum, implementing Headfirst-specific swim level expectations and adaptations
Complete thorough, timely, and accurate written weekly individual camper swim reports based on the week’s activities
Implement Headfirst’s safety protocols on supervision, bathrooms, emergency policies, and pool safety procedures
Attend in-season safety trainings and consistently strive for personal growth in learning swim instruction
Execute morning and afternoon carpool as a key player, welcoming each family to camp by name with fantastic dance moves and coordinated carpool procedures
Nurture Physical, Social & Emotional Safety
Work directly with campers to support them in their emotional, physical, and social development through hands-on exploration and developmentally appropriate activities
Get to know each camper’s individual swim needs and encourage developmentally and individually appropriate growth in swim skills
Represent Headfirst for Families & Facility Partners
Represent the Headfirst brand daily to families at carpool and to school facility partners throughout the summer by being enthusiastic, helpful, hands-on, and in uniform
Actively participate in our efforts to take care of our camp facility and community
Be an Active Member of the Camp Team
Arrive on time, communicate schedule changes promptly, be a loyal and consistent team member who shows up for the campers and your team
Be flexible with your assignment and open to supporting other programs on site
Handle the Curveballs
Practice resiliency and arrive with a “How Can I Help?” mentality that puts camper experience and team success at the forefront through problem solving and trying new things
Role Information
Compensation: $12 - $17.95 / hour
Schedule: In-season (late June through mid August): Monday – Friday, arrival and departure times vary by location (7:45 - 3:30 pm is standard)
Pre-season (early June): select weekends for training and site preparation
About You
Must be at least 16 years old with at least (2) years of high school completed or equivalent professional experience.
Experience: Experience in swim instruction preferred, but not required (we will teach you! )
Must be able to: Swim and be in a swimming pool for extended periods of time.
Work around small children including, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs for the full day.
Work in hot and outdoor environments while actively supervising campers and participating in dynamic activities for extended periods of time.
Lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.
Committed to adhering to the Cell-Phone Free policy, powering down and putting away cell phones in a locked pouch for the duration of your shift.
Are you lifeguard certified and interested in being a lifeguard and a swim instructor this summer? Check out our Lifeguard/Swim Instructor position. We offer bonuses for certification!
About Headfirst
Headfirst delivers thoughtfully designed, high-quality summer and youth experiences built to elevate potential and exceed expectations.
For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with families, schools, and organizations to create environments where kids feel supported, challenged, and confident trying new things.
What makes Headfirst different is intentionality. We don’t wait and hope growth happens - we design for it. Our programs are carefully structured, and our staff are trained to spot, create, and celebrate breakthrough moments. These Headfirst Moments - when a camper pushes past fear, tries something new, or surprises themselves - are built into every day.
We believe great experiences are built on relationships. Our teams prioritize genuine connection, creating welcoming environments where campers feel seen and known, staff feel supported, and families trust that every detail has been thoughtfully considered.
Behind the scenes, a professional, year-round Headquarters team supports our seasonal staff with training, systems, and clear expectations so camps run smoothly and consistently.
When you join Headfirst, you’re joining a team that takes pride in doing things well. We care deeply about the experience we deliver, the people we work with, and the impact we have on kids and families. The work is meaningful, the standards are high, and the summers are unforgettable.