Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco·San Francisco, California
This role involves serving as the Head Coach for a competitive training group, developing yearlong training programs, and designing structured learn-to-swim lessons under the BGCSF curriculum. Additionally, the leader will perform lifeguarding duties, enforce safety protocols, and mentor assistant instructors.
Description Swim Coach / Aquatics Program Leader Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco — Don Fisher Clubhouse San Francisco, CA | Part-time (25 hrs/wk school year / up to 40 hrs summer) | In-person $24.00 – $26.00 / hour | Benefits Eligible Why This Role Matters Since 1891, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) has provided high-quality, community-based youth development services to youth in San Francisco.
Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
We impact the lives of Club members, primarily ages 6 to 18, by focusing on academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character, community engagement, and job readiness with earning potential.
We are nationally recognized for the high-quality of our programs and comprehensive approach to serving youth.
Whether you’re joining our administrative team, a Clubhouse team, a school-based team, or our Camp Mendocino team, you’ll be surrounded by enthusiastic, talented, and passionate colleagues who wake up every day ready to inspire young people to reach their full potential.
What You’ll Do Under the direct supervision of the Aquatics Director, the Swim Coach/Aquatics Program Leader combines coaching, swim instruction, leadership, and lifeguarding in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
This role drives water safety, technique development, and youth mentorship while serving as Head Coach for one of BGCSF’s competitive training groups.
Program Instruction & Safety Serve as Head Coach for one of three competitive training groups of the BGCSF Aquatics Club, developing yearlong skill-appropriate training programs.
Educate swimmers and parents on team culture and competitive swimming etiquette.
Design and deliver structured learn-to-swim lessons using BGCSF curriculum and mentor assistant instructors.
Lifeguard aquatics programs, enforce safety protocols, administer first aid, file incident reports, and uphold emergency procedures.
Proactively educate youth on pool rules and water safety.
Assist with Clubhouse supervision, safe transportation standards, and safe-walks.
Club Engagement & Support Build strong relationships with youth and families by greeting participants and sharing progress updates.
Establish and reinforce Clubhouse culture and values through everyday interactions.
Participate in seasonal Club events, swim meets, teen nights, and community enrichment activities.
Facility & Equipment Oversight Handle opening and closing procedures for the pool area.
Maintain clean, safe pool decks, equipment, and changing areas.
Perform routine chemical testing (or learn testing protocols) and report damaged or missing gear.
Documentation & Professional Standards Maintain up-to-date certifications and accurately complete documentation (incident reports, timecards, progress tracking).
Model professionalism, teamwork, and BGCSF Core Values at all times.
What You Bring Required 2+ years of experience teaching swim lessons and/or lifeguarding with youth ages 6–18 2+ years of coaching experience (age-group or high school level preferred) Strong capability to teach swimming technique and aquatic skills Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build trust with youth, families, and staff Self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently and take initiative Ability to work early mornings, afternoons, weekends, and flexible special event schedules Required Certifications (Within 60 days of hire if not current) USA Swim Coaching Certification Lifeguard Certification CPR/AED Certification First Aid Certification Emergency Oxygen Certification Physical Requirements Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must be able to stand for at least 2 hours consecutively and perform on-deck and in-water duties (including outdoor pool exposure as needed).
Must be able to hear and see individuals and alarms in and around the pool area.
Why BGCSF Comprehensive health benefits, including employer contributions 401K pre-tax program and 7% employer contribution after one year of service Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Education assistance Pre-tax Transportation Savings Account Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Generous Paid Time Off program Paid Holidays Life & Disability Insurance Professional development opportunities Amazon Prime membership Compensation The wage range for this position is $24.00–$26.00 per hour.
Final compensation is determined based on a range of factors, including skill set, experience, training, certifications, and organizational needs.
Candidates may be hired at the entry, mid, or senior level of the range depending on qualifications and position requirements.
Pre-Employment Requirements As part of the hiring process, BGCSF requires candidates to complete LiveScan fingerprinting, a background check, and a tuberculosis (TB) evaluation or test.
Disclaimer This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected in this role. It is not intended as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. BGCSF reserves the right to reassign or relocate employees as needed.
Candidates must possess at least two years of experience teaching swim lessons or lifeguarding for youth aged 6–18, along with two years of coaching experience, preferably at the age-group or high school level. Required physical capabilities include lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for two hours, and performing duties in and around the pool, alongside maintaining necessary certifications.
Market context
In California, Swim Coach and Aquatics Program Leader roles are often competitive because employers look for candidates who can both teach swim skills and manage youth safety in active program settings. This posting reflects that mix: two years of swim instruction or lifeguarding for ages 6–18, plus two years of coaching experience, with physical demands such as lifting up to 50 lbs and standing for extended periods. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time comparing the original description, then tailor your application to show youth coaching, safety, and lesson-planning experience.