Aquatic Lead: Swim Instructor

Lead Swim Instructor – Make Waves, Inspire Confidence, and Lead the Team!

At the Whatcom Family YMCA, we believe swimming is more than just a skill—it's a gateway to confidence, independence, and lifelong water safety. We're looking for an enthusiastic, experienced Lead Swim Instructor who is passionate about helping swimmers succeed AND inspiring fellow instructors to be their best!

This is the perfect opportunity for someone who loves being on the pool deck, enjoys mentoring others, and wants to make a bigger impact in our Aquatics Department. You'll be part instructor, part coach, and part team cheerleader—helping create an amazing swim lesson experience for every participant and family who walks through our doors.

What You'll Do

Lead by Example!

- Be a go-to leader and resource for swim instructors during assigned shifts.

- Model engaging, safe, and effective swim instruction that makes learning fun.

- Teach swim lessons and jump in to provide class coverage when needed.

- Help ensure every class delivers a consistent, high-quality YMCA swim lesson experience.

Coach, Mentor & Inspire!

- Support and encourage fellow instructors through hands-on coaching, positive feedback, and demonstrations.

- Help welcome and train new instructors through shadowing, co-teaching, and ongoing support.

- Lead fun, interactive in-service trainings to help instructors grow their skills and confidence.

- Work with the Aquatics Director to identify training opportunities and match instructors with classes where they'll shine.

Create an Amazing Experience!

- Help swimmers of all ages and abilities feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.

- Support consistent skill progression and celebrate milestones—big and small!

- Build positive relationships with families and communicate about swimmer progress.

- Help maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming pool environment.

- Be a champion for YMCA values, teamwork, inclusion, and water safety.

What Makes You a Great Fit?

We're looking for someone who brings a combination of strong swim instruction skills, a positive attitude, and a passion for helping others succeed.

You'll thrive in this role if you:

- Have experience teaching swim lessons and a strong understanding of swimming skills, techniques, and water safety.

- Enjoy mentoring, encouraging, and developing others.

- Are a confident communicator who can provide constructive feedback with kindness and professionalism.

- Can think on your feet, solve problems, and keep things running smoothly in a busy pool environment.

- Are dependable, organized, and comfortable taking initiative.

- Love working with children, families, and people of all ages and abilities.

- Believe that a great team makes a great program!

Experience with YMCA swim lesson curriculum is a plus!

Why You'll Love Working at the Y

At the Y, you're not just teaching swimming— you're building confidence, developing future leaders, and making a difference in your community.

As a Lead Swim Instructor, you'll have the opportunity to:

- Grow as a leader while gaining valuable coaching, training, and mentoring experience.

- Make a meaningful impact by helping both swimmers and fellow instructors reach their potential.

- Be part of a supportive team that values collaboration, encouragement, and fun.

- Build lasting connections with families, coworkers, and the community.

- Do work that matters at an organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Everyone Belongs at the Y

The Whatcom Family YMCA is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities of our staff and the communities we serve.

We believe our differences make us stronger, and we're committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community.

Ready to Dive Into Leadership?

If you're passionate about swimming, love helping others grow, and are ready to take the next step in your aquatics career, we want to meet you!

Join the Whatcom Family YMCA and help us create confident swimmers, stronger instructors, and unforgettable experiences—one splash at a time!

Apply today and make waves with us!

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Current CPR/AED/First Aid certifications required; YMCA Swim Lessons Instructor or other YMCA-approved swim instruction certification preferred or required within an established timeframe.

At least one year of successful swim instruction experience; prior experience in a lead, trainer, mentor, or peer-coaching role preferred.

Strong working knowledge of swim lesson curriculum, skill progressions, class management, water safety, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.

Ability to demonstrate swim skills and teaching techniques and to coach peers with confidence, respect, and professionalism.

Strong communication and customer service skills with children, adults, families, and coworkers.

Ability to assess instructional needs and provide constructive, actionable feedback while understanding the distinction between leadership and formal supervision.

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

Completion of YMCA-required Child Abuse Prevention and other assigned trainings within required timelines.

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.

Must be able to demonstrate swim lesson skills and safely enter, exit, and work in shallow and deep water as required by assigned classes.

Must be able to remain in the pool or on the pool deck for extended periods and maintain visual and auditory awareness of participants.

Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and move safely on wet pool decks and in aquatic environments.

Must be able to lift and move instructional equipment and provide physical support to participants when appropriate to instruction and safety.

Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The work environment is frequently humid, noisy, and exposed to pool chemicals and wet surfaces.