Swim Instructor

YMCA of Greater Michiana

Job Title: Swim Instructor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Revision Date: 07/24/2026
Leadership Level: Leader Primary Function: Aquatics

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

OUR CULTURE: 
The YMCA of Greater Michiana exists to ensure every person has a sense of belonging, a place where they feel safe, supported, connected, and empowered to grow and thrive. We believe that when individuals experience belonging, they are more likely to develop healthy habits, strong character, meaningful relationships, and confidence in their future. Belonging is the foundation for personal growth, family stability, and stronger communities.

The YMCA of Greater Michiana strictly follows a zero tolerance policy regarding child abuse.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Acts following YMCA Core Values (Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility) always, in all job functions, and ensures that these values are maintained by members and staff.  
• If no experience in teaching, willing to shadow and learn how to teach kids to swim in the water.  
• Keeps constant surveillance over all persons in your care and demonstrates the ability to remain alert, hear noises, distinguish distress signals, and scan the entire class with clear vision every 5-10 seconds. Be flexible and anticipate pool needs to avoid collisions and disruptions.   
• Recognizes and effectively responds to all aquatic emergencies and offers support to the lifeguard, staff, paramedics, and other departments as needed in emergencies.  
• Instruct swimming lessons as assigned by YMCA and/or American Red Cross guidelines, having prepared lesson plans accordingly.  Use appropriate teaching techniques and discipline.   
• Enforce all pool rules in a clear, non-discriminatory, and consistent manner to all members and visitors.  Always striving to maintain a safe environment.  
• Welcoming to all new and existing members and guests.  Develops positive relationships and offers support, whether with questions about classes, the pool, or other programs in the YMCA.  
• Review and test knowledge of YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures (emergency and safety) to ensure compliance, including (but not limited to) knowing and following the Emergency Action Plan for your facility and any other facility you may work in while a member of the YMCA staff.   
• Arrive to work at least 10 minutes before your scheduled shift.  If you cannot work your shift, it is your responsibility to find a sub.  Leadership staff should be informed in writing (email works) of any schedule changes, substitutions, or illnesses. Remember to punch in and out for each shift.  Be honest in all of your work, including reporting hours worked. 
• Attends and participates in Instructor in-services, and mandatory Y staff meetings and pursues self-development that enhances job performance (Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguarding, etc.). 
• Leads with a professional appearance by being well-groomed and complying to dress code.  
• Able to communicate to others how the YMCA supports kids, adults, and families in the community.   
• Maintain cleanliness of the pool area and always keep a walkway on the deck clear during classes. 
• Maintain all records that are required for proper instruction (attendance, progress reports, evaluations, lesson plans) and employment (personnel records, incident reports, timecards).  Make sure incident and accident reports are properly completed and submitted. 
• Organize and put away needed class equipment in its assigned locations.  Equipment should be put away immediately after classes.  Report damaged equipment in writing to the Aquatics Director or Maintenance staff.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Advancement
• Collaboration
• Operational Effectiveness
• Personal Growth

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possess excellent interpersonal relations skills. 
• Knowledge of strokes and techniques. 
• Current Red Cross Water Safety Instructor or YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor Certification(s) preferred. 
• Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED training through American Red Cross is required for all employees of the YMCA of Greater Michiana, this training will be offered at no cost.
• Six months to one year in teaching and/or coaching experience is preferred. 
• Exceptions may be granted for no prior experience if the candidate has demonstrated ability through time spent as an instructor’s aide volunteer or completion of the Water Safety Instructor course. 

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 disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to analyze swim strokes and teach correct technique – realizing each person learns differently and adapts accordingly.
• Duties require occasional lifting and/or moving up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, and the ability to see and hear patrons in the pool.

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Gym membership

Work Location: In person