Job Description

Swim Instructor I (West Side YMCA)
Part-Time / Regular
$20.00 - $25.00 Hourly

Seasonal Pay Rate: $24.00+ Hourly*
*Swim Instructors employed from June 13 – September 4, 2026, will be paid a minimum of $24.00+ per hour*

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The West Side YMCA is seeking Swim Instructors who will be responsible for maintaining safe conditions at the branch and promoting a safe, positive atmosphere, in accordance with YMCA of Greater New York Aquatics policies and procedures. The Swim Instructors will also provide swim instruction for different ages and ability levels and motivate their participants.

Key Responsibilities:

• Must be Instructor Ready: uniform, lesson plans, maintain records (attendance, track progress, and complete end-of-session reports).
  
• Instruct participants in accordance with YMCA Aquatics program standards, using lesson guides, guided discovery teaching, effective class organization, and developing positive relationships with participants.
  
• Ensure instructional equipment remains in good condition. Report repair needs to the supervisor whenever necessary.
  
• Set up, breakdown, and store equipment for each class. Have all equipment ready prior to classes and put it away afterward.
  
• Attend mandatory in-service training on a monthly basis.
  
• Must attain YMCA Lifeguard certification within 90 days of hire and YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor certification within 120 days of hire.
  
• Know and understand the Emergency Action Plan and Emergency Evacuation Routes.
  
• Enforce Aquatics safety rules consistently and fairly.
  
• Maintain positive relationships with class participants, parents/guardians, non-class members, and staff.
  
• Promote other Aquatics programs and be knowledgeable of pool schedules and programs.
  
• Maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness. Responsible for recertification before expiration.
  
• Actively participate in training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent desired.
  
• Must be at least 17 years of age or older.
  
• Current YMCA Swim Lessons certification or equivalent required.
  
• Current Basic Life Support, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications required.
  
• Demonstrate swim strokes and BLS/BFA/EO skills.
  
• Excellent hospitality skills.
  
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Benefits:
The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

How to Apply:
If
you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains
your interest in the role and our organization.

If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through the Internal Career Site in Cornerstone.