Hospital for Special Care·New Britain, Connecticut
The Swim Instructor designs and teaches swimming lessons to participants of all ages and abilities according to safety standards. They are also responsible for evaluating swimmer progress and maintaining a safe, clean aquatic environment.
Position location: Hospital for Special Care
Scheduled weekly hours: 0
Department: Aquatics & Fitness Center
We are dedicated to creating an environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work, providing exceptional care to each patient each and every day!
This job is eligible for a sign on bonus!
The Aquatic Rehab Center Swim Instructor is responsible for designing and teaching swimming lessons in a private or group setting according to Water Safety certification standards. This position requires the ability to deliver safe and effective instruction to class participants with varying swimming abilities.
Physical demands
Stand or walk 80-100% of each shift.
Sit 0-20% of each shift.
Perform physical skills including lifting, reaching, bending, twisting, kneeling, swimming, squatting, climbing, and pushing/pulling up to 90% of each shift.
Able to run and swim short distances as related to emergency interventions on a rare occasion.
Lift and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
Grasp with both hands on frequent basis to handle equipment and assist patients and members.
Fine hand manipulation with one hand is required on occasional basis to manipulate small objects.
*
Cognitive demands
Job requires continuous alertness to observe swimmers, conforming with established rules, standards of practice to insure swimmer safety and prevent accidents, drownings.
Job requires basic writing proficiency needed for written reports including accident/incident reports and the ability to express self clearly.
Job requires problem-solving skills needed for critical decision making regarding appearance behavior of swimmers and determining the need for any type of lifesaving response.
Job requires the application of previously acquired knowledge, independent problem identification and problem solving. Job requires flexibility of thought, abstract reasoning, and organizational skills in quick decision making situations. Selective attention and concentration are necessary.
Job requires ability to adjust and prioritize schedule to adapt to events as needed.
Job requires a high level of communication skill including expression of abstract/complex ideas, use of negotiation, active listening and an ability to dialogue with multiple parties.
*
Work demands
Job requires working primarily indoors around water. Schedule fluctuation is frequent and at times unpredictable.
The environment may be noisy at times.
There may be occasional exposure to water borne or blood borne pathogens/blood/body fluids.
There may be a need to respond to water, medical or behavioral emergency situations.
It is the responsibility of the Aquatic Instructor I to find coverage for his/her shift in the event of an absence.
Staff who are unable to secure coverage will be expected to work their assigned shift.
*
Essential functions
Effectively designs and teaches swimming lessons to participants of all ages and varying swimming abilities that support the general teaching outlines provided by the American Red Cross Swimming Program.
Plans and organizes lesson plans, methods and goals to provide a high level of quality instruction for all participants
Evaluates swimmers to determine if skill requirements have been met and assigns grade based on the grading criteria for the level.
Adheres to regulations, policies, standards of practice and procedures for safety, accident prevention and infection control.
Participates in equipment management, set up, use, care, storage, and maintenance.
Candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED, American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification, and CPR/AED certification. At least one year of experience as a Water Safety Instructor is required.
Market context
In Connecticut, swim instructor openings often favor candidates with lifeguarding, youth sports, or childcare experience because water safety and child supervision are central to the role. These positions can be competitive when employers offer paid training, flexible shifts, and advancement opportunities, especially for applicants who can quickly complete a lifeguard certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification timeline before applying.