Bloomington-Normal YMCA·Bloomington, Illinois
The instructor is responsible for teaching the provided swim school curriculum and ensuring the safety of participants enrolled in swim instruction under the supervision of the Senior Director of Aquatics. This includes continual evaluation of participant progress, maintaining accurate skill records, and enforcing pool rules and policies.
Description This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Aquatics, the Private Lesson Swim Instructor will be responsible for teaching the provided swim school curriculum and ensuring safety of participants enrolled in swim instruction.
The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs, services, and relationships that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Core Values of the YMCA are Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. At the Bloomington-Normal YMCA we are a team of employees dedicated to advancing the mission and values of the YMCA through service and support of all members in our unique community.
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.
We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.
We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.
We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.
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.
Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y’s work.
Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience.
Preparing for and teaching learn-to-swim programming including adaptive inclusive, adult, and group lessons. Continual evaluation of participant progress and keeping accurate records of skill level by the program. Ensures quality programming and experiences to members and participants, and provides member and participant feedback to the Senior Director of Aquatics. Enforces pool rules and policies by the Aquatics Safety Plan. Oversees and assists in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of locker rooms. Supports and follows YMCA policies and answers member questions about the YMCA and its programs. Reports any incidents or injuries by the Aquatic Safety Plan and/or Facility Emergency Plan. Exhibits professionalism in interactions with members, participants, and YMCA employees. All other duties as assigned based on departmental needs. Work Environment: Work will take place in a warm, humid environment. May be required to sit, stand, stoop, or kneel for extended periods of time. May be in water ranging from 80-90 degrees for an extended period of time. May be exposed to pool and cleaning chemicals. Must be mentally alert to dangerous situations in order to ensure the safety of all swimmers. Must be physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR, Oxygen, and First Aid effectively. Physical mobility to properly use safety equipment to rescue a 200-pound person. Must be able to see, hear, and communicate clearly and be able to hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment. Swim with proficiency and endurance for possible rescues. Must be able to communicate clearly with members and staff. Necessary Skills and Qualifications: Proficient in swimming and safety skills. Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness. Teaching and working with youth skills in accordance with YMCA standards. Preferred Skills and Qualifications: Possession of Spanish language both written and spoken. CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND REQUIRED TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS The Bloomington-Normal YMCA adheres to the strictest regulations pertaining to Child Abuse Prevention and requires all staff and volunteers to complete Child Abuse Prevention Training at the time of hire and on an annual basis. Other required training and certifications, provided by the YMCA during onboarding or within the first 60 days of employment, include: Illinois Mandated Reporter Certification, Illinois Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training, CPR/AED/First Aid certification, and OSHA training including Bloodborne Pathogens.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Bloomington-Normal YMCA is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
www.bnymca.org/workatthey
Market context
In Illinois, private lesson swim instructors are typically needed where youth aquatics programs and community recreation offerings are active, and employers often look for candidates who can teach safely while meeting YMCA standards. Competition can be strong because this role combines swim proficiency, emergency response readiness, CPR/O certification, and the ability to work effectively with children. Review the posted certification and physical requirements closely and confirm your availability for lesson times; the requirements and benefits shown here are AI-summarized from the original job description, which can save you research time.