The Adaptive Swim Lesson Instructor provides personalized swim lessons to individuals with diverse abilities, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment. They collaborate with caregivers and utilize adaptive tools to meet the unique needs of each participant.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Current certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid, and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor are required, along with experience in special education or related fields being a plus.
As an Adaptive Swim Lesson Instructor at the YMCA, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive in the water. You will deliver personalized, adaptive swim lessons tailored to the unique needs of participants with diverse abilities including physical, developmental, or cognitive differences. By fostering confidence, skill development, and a love for swimming, you will help empower participants to reach their full potential while embodying the Y's commitment to accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.
Our Culture 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.
We are the Y.
Job Responsibilities Provides individualized and small group swimming and water safety instruction to students of all ages with diverse abilities.
Collaborate with Aquatics Leadership and care-givers to ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all swimmers.
Utilizes knowledge of specific disabilities to adjust teaching methods, communication styles, and strategies to meet the needs of each participant.
Implements the YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor curriculum and Swim Angel Fish resources to create new approaches that effectively serves the needs of program participants and provide program modifications as needed.
Creates a supportive environment that encourages learning for all ability levels and incorporates the use of adaptive tools and equipment, such as floatation devices, mobility aids, or visual supports, into swim lessons to facilitate specialized instructional support for most participants.
That may include; Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and other diverse abilities.
Use clear and supportive communication techniques, adjusting the method based on the needs of the participant (e.g., visual cues and communication boards for non-verbal students).
Adheres to program standards, including safety and cleanliness standards, and ensures consistency with evidence-based practices for individuals with diverse abilities.
Coordinate in advance with aquatics leadership to ensure the pool environment is safe for participants with special needs, considering factors such as mobility aids, medical equipment, and any accommodations necessary for students to participate fully.
Modify traditional swim strokes, drills, or exercises to accommodate students with physical limitations or learning challenges as prescribed by applicable curriculum.
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 as required and maintains required certifications.
Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies.
Coordinate with Aquatics Leadership to maintain accurate and up-to-date participant records including, but not limited to, in-take forms, relevant medical documentation, personalized lesson plans, progress trackers.
Maintains positive relationships with parents and caregivers and other staff.
Models relationship-building skills, including Listen First in all interactions.
Report all accidents/incidents to your supervisor and follow the Association’s current employee and member injury reporting procedures.
Communicated effectively with parents regarding the child’s progress.
Assists with the retention of existing program participants and engagement of new participants by informing them of the Family Center Aquatic Programs such as Group Swim Lessons, Safe Start, Swim Team and community events.
Knowledge of all emergency procedures and respond to emergency situations immediately in accordance with the YMCA of Central Florida aquatics and safety procedures.
Promote and represent the mission and core values of the YMCA of Central Florida in the Family Center and its programs.
Ability to work with participants of all abilities and provide program modifications as needed.
All other duties as assigned by management
Requirements
Minimum age 18 years old. High School graduate or equivalent required. Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications required by Hire Date. Current Oxygen Administration certification required by Hire Date. YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification required. YMCA Teaching Techniques for Disability and Diversity of Ability training add-on training required within 30 days of hire date. 1 -2 years of experience in Special Education, Occupational Therapy, or related field a plus. Knowledge of Behavioral Therapy techniques and experience with adaptive equipment is highly beneficial. Proficiency in multiple languages and/or Sign Language a plus. Work Environment & Physical Demands Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, which may include weekends and holidays as needed. Must be willing to work an on-call schedule rotation as required. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Required to work outdoors for extended periods of time. May be exposed to extreme outdoor weather conditions and temperatures and to wet and/or humid conditions in swimming pool areas. Must possess auditory, verbal and visual capabilities in order to adequately communicate via phone and in person. Talking is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, with or without correction Must possess the physical ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a professional water rescue. Must be able to work with hazardous chemicals (i.e. pool chemicals, cleaning solutions, disinfectants, etc.). Must possess the physical ability to pass a lifeguard water test and perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a professional water rescue. Must be alert at all times, keeping safety in mind. Must possess acceptable hearing and visual capabilities in order to monitor environment and members’ well-being. May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time while demonstrating manual dexterity in order to accurately work on the phone, computer keyboard, and other equipment Disclaimers Must complete successful background screening, which includes criminal and employment verification. Some positions may additionally require a successful credit check screening. All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA promotes an equal employment opportunity work place which includes reasonable accommodation of otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please see your manager should you have any questions about this policy or these job duties. This job description may not be all-inclusive and employees are expected to perform all other duties as assigned and directed by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when deemed appropriate by management.
Market context
Adaptive swim instruction in Florida
Adaptive swim instructors are often needed where community aquatics programs serve children and adults with varying abilities, and Florida employers may value experience supporting special education or related fields. This role can be competitive because it combines safety certifications, swim instruction skills, and comfort adapting lessons to individual needs. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page against the original posting, then confirm your CPR/AED, First Aid, and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor credentials before applying.
