Swim Instructor

Company: YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
Location: Grand Rapids
Posted on: January 4, 2026

Job Description:

Description: OUR CULTURE: Guiding Principles describe our behaviors to support our organization’s work throughout its life in all circumstances, irrespective of changes in goals, strategies, and leadership. Our Guiding Principles are as follows: We CULTIVATE -We grow staff and volunteer leaders who will be stewards of the Y mission, resources, and opportunities. We OWN -We think long-term and act on behalf of the organization, beyond our own team. We WELCOME -We are inclusive of all people and all communities. We SERVE -We provide timely and excellent service to members, volunteers, community, and each other. We LEARN -We are never done learning and always seek to improve. We are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them. We UNITE -We work together to achieve big goals and speak as one voice. We RESPECT-We treat others with kindness and speak positively about other people in all situations. We PLAY -We celebrate, appreciate, and have fun! The YMCA of Great Grand Rapids utilizes a Membership By Design framework, which is a member involvement and community building model for YMCAs across the country. All staff members—front-line, management, full- and part-time—and volunteers have a role to play in member engagement. These responsibilities can be broken into six steps: Enrollment : Staff and volunteers encourage potential members to enroll in programs and activities that meet their needs. Satisfaction : Staff and volunteers ask members continually about their satisfaction with a program or activity, track responses, listen to suggestions, and respond promptly in a manner consistent with the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Relationship Building : Staff and volunteers are open, friendly, and approachable to all YMCA members and participants. Staff and volunteers initiate interaction with and between members. Education and Conversion : Staff and volunteers know about and share their knowledge of the YMCA, its programs, its policies, its mission, its values, and how it benefits members and the community. Volunteerism and Leadership : Staff and volunteers create opportunities for members to volunteer in their areas of interest, and they ask members to do so whenever appropriate. Ownership : Staff and volunteers encourage members to “own” the YMCA, using words such as “we,” “us,” and “our association” (and actions that match those words) to include members as well as staff and volunteers. POSITION SUMMARY: The Swim Instructor is responsible for conducting swimming instruction using the National Aquatic YMCA Programs. The Swim Instructor will ensure a safe, fun area for children and adults to interact and enjoy. This position offers flexible hours. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Teaches aquatic skills Follows prepared lesson plans Maintains teaching equipment Maintains supervision of participants Distributes and collects program evaluations Implements Character Development in all programs Handles parent/member complaints Maintains all areas in clean, presentable fashion Maintains pool and deck equipment Enforces safety standards Follows emergency procedures Ensures State of Michigan’s Department of Health requirements are met Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. COMPENSATION $15.50 - $19.38 ; Part-Time; Non-Exempt (up to 25hrs/week) BENEFITS: Free YMCA Individual Membership 12% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here. 403(b) retirement savings account Paid sick time Ongoing training and development opportunities Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family Community Discounts, and more! Requirements: QUALIFICATIONS: Six months to one year of recreation, lifeguard, swim instructor, or water park experience; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required. Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. Ability to demonstrate aquatic skills. Ability to react quickly to emergency situations. At least sixteen years of age or older. YMCA experience preferred. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION Swim Instructor Certification required Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for rescue (required) YMCA Swim Instructor Certification, required within the first 60 days American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, or equivalent, preferred First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days AED-Oxygen Certification required within the first 60 days Blood Borne Pathogen training State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT) YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: Functional Expertise Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment. Uses best practices, guidelines, and industry standards as a framework to improve performance. Inclusion Embraces all dimensions of diversity (i.e., ability, age, culture, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, income, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, etc.) by treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect. Creates a safe environment in which others feel welcome and respected. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. TRAVEL 0-5% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training. PM21 Compensation details: 15.5-19.38 Hourly Wage PI2e183cb1fe75-25448-36487289

Keywords: YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Lansing , Swim Instructor, Social Services , Grand Rapids, Michigan