YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South·Cordova, Tennessee
The Swim Instructor is responsible for providing swimming and water safety instruction to students of all ages and maintaining constant supervision to ensure safety. They also create positive relationships with students and facilitate peer connections.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The part-time Swim Instructor is responsible for maintaining constant supervision of students to ensure safety. Creating positive, nurturing relationships with students and builds cooperative relationships with parents and caregivers. Promoting and supporting the potential of all students in program. Facilitating peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall program experience.
Provides swimming and water safety instruction to students of all ages and abilities. Plans and implements program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate, and consistent with YMCA values. Helps to create new approaches to serve the needs of program participants. Adheres to program standards, including safety and cleanliness standards, and ensures consistency with evidence-based practices. Maintains constant supervision of students, identifies students who need assistance, and supports students as necessary to ensure a positive learning environment. Attends staff meetings and trainings. Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies. Maintains positive relationships with parents and caregivers and other staff. Models relationship-building skills (including Listen First) in all interactions. Trains and supervises class aides as assigned.
Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
Lift equipment and a small – to average – size child. Remain in the pool area at all times. Remain alert, with no lapses of consciousness, in a warm environment with air temperatures of 80 degrees or higher. Recognize distress signals. Support child or adult body weight in the water. Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time. Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time. Remain in water ranging from 80-90 degrees for one to four hours. Communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance, in normal and loud situations. Ability to instruct and observe participants in proper stroke techniques.
The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South.
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Candidates must be at least 16 years old and have certifications in CPR/AED, first aid, and child abuse prevention within 30 days of hire. They should also have the ability to recognize students needing assistance and demonstrate swimming skills.
Market context
Part-time swim instructor roles in Tennessee often draw steady interest because youth aquatics programs, learn-to-swim classes, and family recreation schedules need reliable staffing. This role is competitive for candidates who already have strong in-water skills, can quickly complete CPR/AED, first aid, and child abuse prevention training, and are comfortable spotting students who need help. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification timeline before applying.
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