Teach swimming skills, water safety, and stroke techniques to participants of all ages and abilities following YMCA guidelines. Ensure the safety of all participants while maintaining equipment and communicating progress to parents and staff.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be at least 16 years old with strong swimming proficiency and the ability to work flexible hours. Required certifications include CPR, First Aid, AED, and Oxygen, obtainable within 60 days of employment.
SUMMARY: The Group Swim Instructor plays a crucial role in and is responsible for teaching swimming skills, water safety, and confidence to participants of all ages and abilities.
Essential
FUNCTIONS: Teach swimming lessons to groups of various ages and skill levels, following YMCA swim lesson curriculum and guidelines. Provide instruction in water safety, stroke technique, and aquatic skills in a supportive and engaging manner. Develop and implement lesson plans that are appropriate for the age, ability, and learning style of participants. Adapt lesson plans as needed to accommodate individual needs, progress, and skill development. Assess participants’ swimming abilities and skill levels through observation, evaluation, and testing. Provide feedback and guidance to help participants set and achieve their swimming goals and milestones. Always ensure the safety and well-being of participants at all times during swimming lessons. Maintain constant vigilance and awareness of participants’ activities in the water. Enforce safety rules and protocols to prevent accidents and injuries. Communicate effectively with participants, staff, parents and guardians to provide information about swimming lessons, progress, and expectations. Answer questions, address concerns, and provide feedback in a timely and professional manner. Maintain swimming lesson equipment, including pool toys, flotation devices, and instructional materials. Ensure that the equipment is clean, organized, and in good working condition for use during lessons. Stay current on best practices, techniques, and trends in swimming instruction and water safety. Participate in training sessions, workshops, and professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and knowledge. Perform other duties as assigned.
YMCA
COMPETENCIES: 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 fund-raising. Collaboration - 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. Operational Effectiveness - Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. Personal Growth - Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS: Minimum age of 16. Strong swimming skills and proficiency in various swim strokes and techniques. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with participants of all ages and backgrounds. Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate swimming lesson schedules. Previous experience as a swim instructor or lifeguard preferred.
Certifications required within 60 days of employment: CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen.
Ability to complete the following courses before the 1st work shift: Child Abuse Prevention; Bloodborne Pathogens, Athlete Protection, and Sexual Harassment training. Passion for the YMCA mission and commitment to serving the community
WORK
Environment &
Physical
DEMANDS: Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the position; including walking, standing, bending, reaching and lifting up to 50 lbs. at a time.
Market context
Steady demand for swim instructors
In South Carolina, group swim instructor roles are commonly tied to seasonal and year-round aquatics programs, so demand often follows pool schedules, camps, and community recreation needs. These jobs can be competitive because employers look for strong swimming ability, flexible availability, and quick completion of safety certifications; on this platform, job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description to save you research time. If you are considering applying, confirm your schedule flexibility and be ready to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED, and Oxygen certification within 60 days.
