JOB DETAILS

SWIM INSTRUCTOR

CompanyValparaiso YMCA
LocationValparaiso
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 15, 2026
About The Company
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. The Y is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through the Y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. FOR HEALTHY LIVING Improving the nation’s health and well-being. In communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body. FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Giving back and providing support to our neighbors. The Y has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical social needs for 160 years. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse demographic populations through global services, or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations with policymakers, the Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Through the Y, volunteers and donors, leaders and partners are empowering people in to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.
About the Role

Description

  

        
POSITION SUMMARY:

The Swim Instructor supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This part-time position supports the Aquatics team by positively engaging with members, instructing and motivating swim participants, and utilizing the pool to enhance members’ experiences at our facility..

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

BENEFITS:

  •  Free Y membership and discounted family membership
  •  Child Watch hours available free of charge
  •  Certification Assistance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Develop relationships while delivering safe and effective programs specific to program audience

· Lead and instruct in accordance with program goals and standards

· Demonstrate and teach proper form and technique using motivational methods

· Teach water safety and life skills

· Maintain accurate records as required including preparing lesson plans, maintaining attendance and skill progression, preparing, 

   etc.

· Use innovation and creativity to increase participant satisfaction

· Enforce safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pools and aquatic area

· Adhere to work schedule and substitute for other Swim Instructors when needed

· Perform equipment checks and ensure appropriate equipment is available as needed

· Maintain a safe, clean, neat pool environment

· Follow emergency procedures and safety precautions. Follow procedures for reporting all accidents, incidents and hazards

· Adhere to all policies, rules, and regulations as outlined in employee handbook and other communications. Obtain and maintain

   required training(s).

· Accept additional assignments as deemed appropriate, within the scope of the job description.

· Report all equipment damage and/or malfunction to supervisor and maintenance staff.

· Follow emergency procedures and safety precautions. Follow procedures for reporting all accidents, incidents and hazards.

· Adhere to all policies, rules, and regulations as outlined in employee handbook and other communications.

· Obtain and maintain required training(s).

· Accept additional assignments as deemed appropriate, within the scope of the job description.

· Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations. Obtain and maintain required training(s).

QUALIFICATIONS:

· First Aid and CPR-PR/AED required within 30 days, provided by the Y

· Ability to read and interpret instructions, procedures, manuals, and other documents required.

· Age of at least 16 years required.

SALARY:

Minimum starting rate of $12 an hour

Starting rate based on experience

SCHEDULE:

Part-time

Morning and Daytime Weekdays and Weekends

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.

  • Physical ability and stamina to perform the duties as outlined above, including but not limited to extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 30 pounds.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):

Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition.

Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.

Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.

Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change. Model’s adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. 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.

Key Skills
Program DevelopmentInstructionMotivationWater SafetyLife Skills TeachingRecord KeepingLesson PlanningParticipant SatisfactionSafety EnforcementEmergency ProceduresEquipment CheckingTeamworkAdaptabilityCoaching
Categories
Sports & RecreationEducationSocial Services
Benefits
Free Y membershipDiscounted family membershipChild watch hours available free of chargeCertification assistance
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Swim Instructor supports the Aquatics team by positively engaging with members, instructing, and motivating swim participants while delivering safe and effective programs aligned with program goals. Key duties include teaching proper form, enforcing safety rules, maintaining accurate records like lesson plans and attendance, and ensuring a safe pool environment.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
109
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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