Instruct swimming lessons for children and adults while ensuring safe pool conditions and maintaining positive relationships with participants. Responsibilities include responding to emergencies, completing incident reports, and managing class equipment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 16 years old and possess or be able to obtain swim instructor, CPR/AED, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications within 30 days. Ability to pass a swim competency test and lift small to average size children is required.
professional certificateAdaptabilityProblem SolvingInterpersonal CommunicationCollaborationChild DevelopmentFirst AidClass ManagementWater SafetyCPR/AEDEmergency Oxygen AdministrationSwim InstructionStroke Development
Job description
Overview
We will train and certify you! *We can facilitate the Lifeguard certification process if you don’t have the required certifications.
Our Commitment to Equity The Y actively promotes a culture free from bias and injustice. We are dedicated to removing institutional and systemic barriers that result in oppression and racism. We will be accountable to marginalized communities for creating equitable and sustainable environments where social justice is woven into every facet of our programs, and by caring for our communities in a culturally versatile and respectful manner. Job Summary *This is an on-site position Our Y is looking for outgoing Swim Instructors who enjoy teaching children and adults new skills, helping them achieve goals and preparing them for future success. In this role you will teach children and adults water acclimation and safety, water movement and stamina, and stroke development and mechanics. Each year our Y’s teach thousands of people to swim and enjoy the water as a form of play and life-long exercise. What you'll get from working at the Y Membership to the YMCA of Greater Seattle Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Retirement with generous employer contributions Free access to mental health resources Rapidly accruing paid time off (PTO) Discounts on qualifying YMCA of Greater Seattle childcare, day camp, overnight camp and outdoor leadership programs 25% for part-time staff, 50% for full-time staff *Some benefits only available to full-time staff Hiring Range: $21.30 - $23.00/hour DOE
Responsibilities
Instructs swimming lessons as assigned in accordance with YMCA guidelines.
Assists with maintaining safe swimming conditions in the pool, on deck and surrounding areas.
Develops positive relationships with participants and parents encouraging involvement and identifying potential volunteers.
Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures.
Responds to emergency situations as needed.
Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
Organizes and puts away needed class equipment.
Reports damaged equipment.
Conveys basic information on YMCA programs and schedules to members and, as appropriate, refers members to other YMCA Total Health programs and/or staff.
Other duties as assigned.
Who are you?
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance
Paid time off (PTO)
YMCA Membership
Mental health resources
Childcare discounts
Retirement with employer contributions
Day camp discounts
Overnight camp discounts
Outdoor leadership program discounts
If you're the right candidate for the job, you love teaching the joy of swimming to children and adults; you find satisfaction in helping others to learn and succeed; can command a class of 1-3 participants ages 3 and up through swim instruction; enjoy a fast-paced environment, and have the flexibility to teach multiple levels of instruction.
You keep the safety of participants at the forefront of your work while teaching participants to thrive in an aquatic environment.
You will also be teaching parent/child classes which can have 10 parent/child pairs (20 participants total).
Code of Conduct for Applicants All employees and volunteers are responsible for adhering to abuse prevention policies, maintaining appropriate boundaries, completing required training, reporting suspicious or inappropriate behavior, and complying with mandated reporting requirements.
Responsible for ensuring staff are properly screened, trained, supervised and held accountable to the organization’s abuse risk management standards.
Qualifications
*We can facilitate the process of you getting certified if you don’t have the required certifications yet. Please still apply if you are interested! 16 or more years of age Current swim instructor certification from a recognized organization (e.g. Y-USA)
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications
Current Administering Emergency Oxygen Certification
Demonstrated ability to assist children and others in the development of swimming skills. Ability to lift equipment, and to lift a small to average size child. Ability to teach skills to others. Ability to pass a swim competency test. *Ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.) Ability to speak any language in addition to English may be helpful. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. You'll be a great fit for the Seattle Y if you Thrive on working in a collaborative environment. Are very adaptable. Have high ownership and strong work ethic. Are a great problem solver who can think on your feet. Truly enjoy being of service to people. Like being part of a team that cares about one another as people and enjoy working together. Want to know that the work you do contributes to building a better, stronger community for all. Our Mission Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body. YMCA of Greater Seattle's Core Values Respect Responsibility Honesty Caring Passion for Excellence YGS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law. All job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We participate in the Federal E-Verify system.
Market context
Washington classroom teacher market context
In Washington, classroom teacher roles are often competitive because schools and early learning programs look for candidates who meet state requirements and bring prior licensed daycare or teacher assistant experience. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review fit and compensation details faster. If you’re applying, confirm your state preschool teacher assistant eligibility and highlight any classroom support experience on your resume.
