Lead Swim Instructor – Stonestown YMCA

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation’s most pressing social issues. 

Our Organizational Culture  

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals. 

Position Summary 

The Lead Swim Instructor supports the supervision and evaluation of swim instructor staff during group lessons. They oversee both weekday and weekend group swim lessons and may be required to instruct in place of an absent swim lesson instructor.  

The Lead Swim Instructor ensures the safety and cleanliness of the aquatic environment, maintains pool operations, and coordinates training sessions while tracking certifications. This role requires a positive, professional, and respectful attitude when engaging with a diverse population of members and staff.  

The Lead Swim Instructor upholds the YMCA Mission through programs that emphasize youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The position requires sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to collaborate effectively with members, staff, and volunteers. A strong understanding of aquatics is essential, along with the ability to communicate the YMCA aquatics program philosophy and motivate others. 

Job Responsibilities  

Swim Instruction & Program Delivery 

• Instruct swimming lessons from the water, demonstrating familiarity with water to teach novice students basic skills. 

• Ensure all swimming lessons are taught in accordance with YMCA standards to maintain quality and consistency. 

• Provide excellent service to swim lesson participants and engage YMCA members at the facility. 

• Utilize active listening and motivational interviewing to address member and participant concerns and manage conflict. 

• Promote YMCA Aquatics programming, stay informed about available offerings, and encourage member participation. 

Leadership & Staff Development 

• Serve as a leader on the pool deck, ensuring staff follow policies and procedures while delivering excellent customer service. 

• Provide constructive feedback to Swim Lesson Instructors to ensure adherence to policies and procedures, contributing to staff development. 

• Collaborate with Swim Instructor Trainers and other lead staff to plan and conduct in-services, audits, evaluations, certification tracking, and compliance requirements. 

• Lead onboarding and certification training, including YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor courses and ASHI courses. 

• Attend required staff meetings and training; plan and lead in-service sessions and other aquatic training. 

Safety & Emergency Preparedness 

• Maintain physical readiness to assist Lifeguards in an aquatic emergency. 

• Remain alert to non-swimmers being supervised and share responsibility for their safety in the pool. 

• Manage emergency situations to ensure proper care, notification of emergency contacts, and activation of the branch chain of command. 

• Collaborate in organizing Safety Around Water week components. 

Scheduling & Operational Oversight 

• Review and adjust the swim instructor schedule to ensure adequate coverage. 

• Arrive on time for shifts and adhere to the scheduling policy, or arrange for substitutes if needed, unless directed otherwise by the supervisor. 

• Commit to working at least 15 hours per week or 3 regular shifts per week, including one weekend shift. 

Communication & Member Engagement 

• Assist in creating and implementing communication/customer service plans for swim lesson parents and participants. 

• Communicate effectively with branch staff and inform the Aquatics Director or branch leadership of any issues. 

• Keep aquatics and member services staff updated on programming. 

• Evaluate programs based on consistent feedback from participants and implement necessary changes. 

Facility & Equipment Maintenance 

• Maintain cleanliness and safety of the aquatic environment, equipment, and areas, including offices and supply areas. 

• Monitor and maintain teaching materials and supplies. 

• Complete required records, such as swim instructor observation forms, lesson rosters, level recommendations, new hire checklists, and audit tracking. 

Qualifications 

• High School Diploma or equivalent. 

• 1+ year of swim lesson instruction experience.  

• Strong knowledge of swimming and aquatics.  

• Must be available to work 40 hours per week including:  

• 20 hours of frontline duties and 20 hours of administrative work.   

• Position does not exceed 40 hours per week.  

• Must be available to work 5 consecutive days per week, including at least one weekend day and holidays. Flexibility to cover varying shift times as needed.  

• Current certifications in CPR/AED, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, American Red Cross Swim Instructor, American Red Cross Swim Lesson Instructor, or the ability to obtain within 30 days or upon the first available class.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• 1+ year of supervisory experience.  

• Previous experience in competitive swimming. 

• Bilingual in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or other languages.   

• Additional relevant certifications (e.g., YASA, ARC Lifeguard, ARC WSI, USA Swimming Coach, ASCA).  

Work Environment & Physical Demands 

The Lead Swim Instructor position involves working primarily within an indoor and occasionally outdoor aquatic facility, ensuring the safety of all pool users. This role involves working in a fast-paced environment, requiring constant interaction with members, staff, and volunteers. The position demands physical stamina and the ability to perform tasks in a variety of aquatic settings, including standing, walking, and participating in swim instruction from the water. 

The Lead Swim Instructor physical demands include the ability to swim, remain in or near the water for extended periods, and assist in aquatic emergency situations. The Lead Swim Instructor must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds of equipment, maintain alertness, and supervise swimmers. The role may require responding to emergencies promptly and maintaining safety standards. 

The position also requires a commitment to a flexible work schedule, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays, with responsibilities involving both hands-on instruction and administrative duties. The Lead Swim Instructor must be able to balance the physical demands with the administrative tasks. 

Disclaimers 

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check. 

• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties. 

• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed. 

• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment. 

Salary Description 

The Lead Swim Instructor position offers a compensation range of $27.00 – $32.00 per hour. This rate is based on salary benchmarking for similar roles and is aligned with grant fund approvals and requirements for the position.