Swim Instructors are responsible for providing instruction and leadership for swim lessons following YMCA National Aquatic Program guidelines, which includes arriving early and maintaining professional relations with stakeholders. Essential duties also involve handling minor accidents, reporting unsafe conditions, and assisting with scheduling and emergency substitutions as needed.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 16 years old and preferably have two or more years of experience in aquatics or swim lessons, while pursuing a High School diploma or GED. Required certifications include YMCA SI or WSI, and maintaining current CPR certification is mandatory.
Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, Swim Instructors will provide instruction and leadership for swim lessons in accordance with YMCA National Aquatic Program guidelines.
Essential Functions / Job Duties
Arrives at least 15 minutes prior to beginning of work shift.
Develops and maintains good relations with parents, program participants, and pool site management staff.
Maintains current certification and CPR.
Treats minor accidents as necessary and take appropriate actions for all incidents / accidents, as outlined in the YMCA Risk Management procedures.
Brings to the Aquatic Director’s attention any condition or practice which may cause an unsafe circumstance to the health and safety of members and guests.
Assists in creating schedules and emergency substituting.
Other duties as needed based on Family Center or Program Site requirements or needs.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (i.e. Leader, Team Leader, Multi-Team / Branch Leader)
Mission
Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program and fundraising leadership levels.
Collaboration
Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.
Operational
Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.
Personal
Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. 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.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities / Position Requirements
Education and
Experience:
Pursuing High School diploma or GED.
Two or more years of experience participating in, or working with aquatics and swim lessons, preferred.
Certificates and Licenses
• YMCA SI Certified or WSI
Other skills and abilities
Bilingual, English and Spanish, a plus.
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to interact with individuals at all levels.
Must be at least 16 years old.
Must be organized and detail oriented.
Excellent communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with youth and adults including program participants, parents, volunteers, staff, and representatives of contract pool sites.
Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
Must wear branch-provided YMCA Instructor shirt
Will cross over to YSL within 30 days of hire Ideal Candidate Profile
Avid swimmer, passionate about the sport of swimming, dedicated to the cause of water safety and drowning prevention.
High-energy personality, outgoing and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.
Comfortable with public speaking and engaging with parents/guardians
Innate desire to provide excellent customer service to participants, which will result in an exceptional aquatic experience.
Work Environment
Work environment characteristics 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. Primarily works in an outdoor pool environment.
Physical Demands
Ability to lift / move set up and store equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Also, needs to be able to demonstrate the specific skills to show technical proficiency in life guarding rescue techniques. Must be able to swim 4 of the 6 strokes – 25 Front, 25 back, 25 breast, 25 butterfly, 25 side and 25 elementary back and tread water for two minutes. Must be able to hear without aid and see victims.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Employment at the YMCA is at-will. It is purely voluntary, based upon the consent of both the Association and the staff member. No expressed or implied contractual rights should be inferred from this job description.
As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprinting background screening.
As a Drug-Free Workplace, all new hires must successfully complete a drug test. Please note Medical Marijuana cards do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test.
The YMCA of South Florida is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in the workplace because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age or disability.
Market context
Florida swim instructors are often in demand
In Florida, swim instructor roles often reflect steady demand tied to year-round aquatic programs, youth lessons, and safety-focused instruction. This role is competitive because employers look for current Lifeguard, CPR/AED, and First Aid certifications, strong swimming ability, and experience with young children, plus readiness to earn Water Safety Instructor certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications and child-instruction experience before applying.
