YMCA of Metropolitan Washington
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Salary
$18 - $19 / HOUR
The Swim Instructor is responsible for teaching safe and effective swim lessons across basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. They must maintain a structured learning environment, track student progress, and ensure the safety of all participants.
Candidates must be at least 16-18 years old depending on the level, with required CPR and First Aid certifications. Intermediate and advanced roles require 2 to 4 years of experience and specific swim instruction certifications.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is one of the largest nonprofits in the DC area. The Y serves as an anchor in the community, offering programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
We invite you to join us in this important work—develop your skills, realize your leadership potential, and discover a career that is more than just a job. As part of a long-standing and reputable organization that helped pioneer many aquatic programs, you will gain valuable experience, enjoy flexible part-time and full-time scheduling, and become part of a supportive, high-performing team. Join a mission-driven team where you can grow your skills, develop leadership experience, and make a real impact every day.
The Swim Instructor is responsible for teaching safe and effective swim lessons while maintaining a positive, structured, and engaging learning environment. Instructors ensure participant safety, deliver lesson plans, track progress, and communicate effectively with swimmers and families. Key Responsibilities Teach group and private swim lessons (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced levels) Maintain safety, discipline, and class control at all times Arrive at least 5 minutes before class start time with materials prepared Develop and follow lesson plans; provide substitute plans when needed Track attendance, skill progression, and student evaluations Assess stroke technique and recommend level advancement when appropriate Maintain clean and organized instructional areas and equipment Communicate professionally with participants, parents, and staff Attend staff meetings and complete additional duties as assigned
Basic Instructor Must be 16+ years old CPR and First Aid certification required Must obtain YMCA Swim Lesson Certification within 9 months Strong communication skills and positive attitude Intermediate Instructor Must be 17+ years old Minimum 2 years of swim instruction experience CPR and First Aid certification required Must hold at least one swim instruction certification (YMCA, Red Cross WSI, or equivalent) Advanced Instructor Must be 18+ years old Minimum 4 years of aquatics teaching experience CPR and First Aid certification required Must hold at least two aquatics or swim instruction certifications Physical Requirements / Working Conditions Must meet YMCA aquatic safety requirements (YASA standards) Ability to lift up to 40 lbs Ability to swim 500 yards Must be able to actively instruct in-water Ability to monitor and respond to participants in distress
YMCA employees enjoy competitive benefits and exclusive discounts. Additional benefits include: 10% employer-funded retirement plan (vesting after 2 years or 1,000 hours/year) 403(b) savings plan Affordable healthcare coverage Free YMCA membership Paid time off and sick leave Professional development opportunities The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is an equal opportunity employer committed to fairness, inclusion, and respect in the workplace
Market context
In the District of Columbia, classroom teacher openings are often shaped by ongoing demand in public charter schools and schools serving underserved communities. These roles are competitive because employers look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, a clear commitment to teaching, and alignment with the school’s mission; benefits may include medical, vision, dental, prescription drug coverage, and graduate tuition support. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show experience or interest in serving diverse student communities.
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