YMCA of Greater Boston
Swim Instructor I & II
150 3rd Avenue, Charlestown, MA 02129
On-site · Part-time · $16–$22/hr (as posted)
First seen by offpeak October 6, 2026
See your drive time Apply on YMCA of Greater Boston's site
Position Summary: Under the supervision of the Aquatics Director, this position is responsible for teaching swim lessons under the YMCA of the USA model. Swim Instructors should have experience teaching swim lessons and enjoy working with people, especially children as many lesson opportunities are with children.
Key Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:- Provide excellent member service by exceeding member expectations.
- Report on the deck 15 minutes before the scheduled shift dressed in a bathing suit.
- Have equipment ready before your class and store it promptly after your class. Make good use of available equipment, pool space, and personal resources.
- All instructors must start and end classes on time.
- Agree to teach for an entire session. Absenteeism MUST be kept to a minimum.
- Communicate child’s progress with parents on an ongoing basis, not just when handing out progress reports.
- Adhere to all pool rules and policies. Begin the first class with a reminder of the rules, bathrooms, etc.
- Know and implement any and all emergency procedures.
- Maintain accurate attendance for each class as well as updated skill completions using all required forms. Any student missing 3 classes should be reported to the Aquatic Director.
- Take notes as need on the strengths and weaknesses of each child in the class.
- Maintain control and safety of the class. Keep a watchful eye on everyone in the class. All children in flotation should always be within arm’s reach, and never turn your back on a class.
- Exercise good judgment, competence in meeting the goals, objectives, needs and interest of the YMCA, the class as a whole and the individual student.
- Incorporate all five-program components into each lesson: personal safety, water orientation/stroke development, water sports and games, rescue and personal growth.
- Maintain a clear and consistent line of communication with all supervisors.
- Participate in all branch safety and quality drills
- Attend all required monthly and yearly in-service trainings
- Engage in active listening with members in order to build relationships, understand each individual’s goals and interests and take the initiative to assist in the achievement of those goals.
- Maintain a professional image and manner consistent with the YMCA mission and goals at all times.
- All other duties as assigned.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:- Physically and verbally able to interact with members and staff.
- Must be able to scan the pool visually.
- May be required to sit or stand for extended period of time.
- At times, be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Collaboration: Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance YMCA mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Has strong communications skills and uses them to communicate with all members and supervisors. Has an expectation of quality and consistency from self and others.
Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Ensures continuous personal improvement.
Personal Growth: Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
- Shifts vary, but may include early mornings, nights, and weekends.
- Child Abuse Prevention (within first four weeks of employment)
- Respect in the Workplace (Sexual Harassment Prevention)
- CPR, First Aid, O2
- YMCA Swim Lessons (YSL) (preferred)
- WSI
Benefits
Why work at the Y? The YMCA of Greater Boston is an incredible place to have a fulfilling career or enjoy part-time employment — all while we are supporting and strengthening our communities, because our community is our cause. When you join us in your career here, you can look forward to:- Developing your leadership skills in a caring, challenging & diverse working environment.
- Exploring a wide range of opportunities as you learn new skills and functions.
- Shaping the future of young children while making a difference each day for our communities and each other.
- Engaging in YMCA career training programs and working alongside those who have the same passion.
- A healthy work/life balance
- Comprehensive benefits including:
- FREE YMCA Membership for you.
- Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons.
- Discounted or FREE family membership.
- Robust Retirement Plan up to 10%. (see eligibility requirement)
- Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package.
- Vacation and Sick Time (PT receive sick time)