YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids·Caledonia, Michigan
The Swim Instructor is responsible for conducting swimming instruction following National Aquatic YMCA Programs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for participants. Essential functions include teaching aquatic skills, maintaining equipment, supervising participants, and enforcing safety standards.
Description Join our team as a part-time Swim Instructor- shift times vary throughout the week including mornings, afternoon, evenings & weekends. Must be available Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Additional days/hours available during the summer.
The Swim Instructor is responsible for conducting swimming instruction using the National Aquatic YMCA Programs. The Swim Instructor will ensure a safe, fun area for children and adults to interact and enjoy.
Teaches aquatic skills Follows prepared lesson plans Maintains teaching equipment Maintains supervision of participants Distributes and collects program evaluations Implements Character Development in all programs Handles parent/member complaints Maintains all areas in clean, presentable fashion Maintains pool and deck equipment Enforces safety standards Follows emergency procedures Ensures State of Michigan’s Department of Health requirements are met Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.
COMPENSATION $16.12 - $20.15 ; Part-Time; Non-Exempt (up to 25hrs/week)
Free YMCA Individual Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities. Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan. Paid Sick Time – Earn paid sick leave so you can focus on feeling your best when it matters most. Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.
Six months to one year of recreation, lifeguard, swim instructor, or water park experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. Ability to demonstrate aquatic skills. Ability to react quickly to emergency situations. At least sixteen years of age or older. YMCA experience preferred.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION Swim Instructor Certification required (provided by the YMCA) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for rescue (required) First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days AED-Oxygen Certification required within the first 60 days Blood Borne Pathogen training State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT) WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
TRAVEL 0-5% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.
Market context
In Michigan, swim instructor roles are commonly tied to community pools, schools, and recreation programs, where employers look for candidates who can work well with children and communicate clearly. These positions can be competitive because scheduling flexibility, comfort with safety-focused instruction, and a clean background check often matter as much as experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then be ready to highlight child interaction skills and availability during your application.