Swim Instructor - Shelby County Branch

Job Description

Job Description

Decatur Shelby County YMCA

Job Description

Job Title: Swim Instructor

Original Date: 05/18/2025

Revised Date:

Department: Aquatics

Reports To: Aquatics Coordinator

Basic Functions and Scope of Responsibility

The Swim Instructor creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals while providing safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate swim instruction. This position is responsible for delivering swim lessons according to YMCA guidelines, fostering water safety, promoting skill progression, and supporting overall member engagement. The Swim Instructor ensures a safe aquatic environment in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality swim instruction aligned with YMCA swim program guidelines and curriculum.

• Prepare lesson plans and class materials in advance of each session.

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, participant progress, and skill evaluations.

• Communicate effectively with parents/guardians, sharing student progress and promoting continued participation in YMCA programs.

• Organize, inspect, and store all class equipment; report any damages or equipment needs.

• Build positive, supportive relationships with students, families, and fellow staff; foster a sense of community and connection to the YMCA.

• Adhere to all YMCA safety standards, emergency protocols, and incident reporting procedures.

• Attend required staff meetings and in-service trainings.

• Support association-wide initiatives and assume other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience & Training 

• Minimum age of 15.

• YMCA Swim Instructor Certification or nationally recognized equivalent preferred.

• Current certifications in CPR for the Professional Rescuer (or equivalent), First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen (or willingness to obtain), or ability to become certified within the first 30 days of employment.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively teach swimming and water safety skills.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

Core Competencies

• Caring: Show a sincere concern for others

• Honesty: Be truthful in what you say and do

• Respect: Follow the golden rule 

• Responsibility: Be accountable for your promises and actions

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.

• Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative. 

• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend

• Ability to spend extended periods of time in an indoor aquatic environment

• The noise level for this position is moderate to loud.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. The job description is not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees in the job classification. This document is not a contract and does not, in any way, alter the at-will employment relationship. 

DSCYMCA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type with regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity of expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.