Swim Instructor- Cook County YMCA

Salary Range: $16.00 To $17.60 Hourly
Job Title: Swim Instructor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Type: Part-Time
Reports to: Aquatics and Membership Coordinator

Part-Time Benefits:


  • Retirement accounts (You can contribute at any time, but the Y will contribute 12% after two years of service with 1,000 hours in each of the two years)

  • Paid time off (Accrue 1 hour of paid time off for every 30 hours worked)

  • Complimentary nationwide 2 adult family membership to the Y

  • Discounts on programs, summer camps, YMCA Camp Miller 

  • Team member referral program

  • Employee engagement and appreciation activities

  • Employee assistance program

  • Growth and development opportunities

  • Leadership certification and related training offered and encouraged



Summary/Objective
Provides direct leadership, instruction and motivation for students in swimming classes.

Our Culture
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Essential Functions

  • Instructs swimming lessons, having prepared lesson plans accordingly. Trains and supervises class aides as assigned.

  • Builds effective, authentic relationships with students and parents; helps them connect with each other and the YMCA. Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers. Conveys information on aquatics programs and schedules and as appropriate refers students and parents to other programs.

  • Maintains records as required (i.e. attendance, progress reports, etc.).

  • Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.

  • Organizes and puts away needed class equipment. Reports damaged equipment.

  • Opportunity for teaching private swim lessons is available upon availability.

  • Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace. Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity.


YMCA Competencies
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position will not have any supervisory roles.

Work Environment
This position operates in and around a pool area. Sometimes the floor will be slippery or the working environment will seem humid.

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. 


  • Ability to lift a person off the bottom and out of the water.

  • Perform all skills required for Lifeguarding, First Aid, and CPR/AED certifications.

  • Comfortable in the water.

  • While performing duties of this job, employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hand to handle, or feel; reach with arms and hands. Employee must be able to talk, taste, smell and see (both near and far). Occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch.

  • Must be able to remain alert.

  • Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods.

  • Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.

  • Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision.

  • Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue.

  • Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.



Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a part-time position. Hours will vary depending on the needs of the site.

Travel
Travel is not required for this position.

Required Education and Experience

  • Certified in CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid or obtain within 30 days of employment.

  • Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards.

  • YMCA Swim Instructor certification or equivalent preferred or Obtain YMCA Swim Instructor certification within 6 months through the YMCA.

  • At least 16 years of age.

  • Commitment of supporting principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action to achieve a diverse work environment.


Preferred Education and Experience
Lifeguard certification.
One (1) year experience working with youth.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Must be able to successfully pass a background check.

EEO Statement
The Lake Superior YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation, and training.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.


https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=3dbe791c-419c-4c4b-828e-84e3b44af546&ccId=19000101_000001&type=MP&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter&jobId=477910


105 W 5th Street, Grand Marais, MN 55604

   Phone: 2187224745 x122

© Classifieds @ Boreal 2026