Adaptive Swim Instructor (Rancho Peñasquitos)

Overview

The Adaptive Swim Instructor is responsible for providing inclusive, high-quality aquatic instruction for individuals with diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. This role goes beyond traditional swim coaching by tailoring lessons to the unique abilities of each participant, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and physical disabilities. The Adaptive Swim Instructor fosters a safe, supportive, and fun environment where students can build water independence, functional mobility, and self-confidence at their own pace. The Adaptive Swim Instructor serves as a patient mentor and safety expert, utilizing adaptive techniques and positive reinforcement to help students achieve meaningful milestones. This role ensures that the transformative power of the water is accessible to every member of our community. 

For more on Y Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org) 

Schedule:

Must be available for at least 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements lesson plans that adapt standard swimming strokes and water safety skills to the specific physical, cognitive, or sensory needs of each student. 

• Maintains constant supervision of participants and enforces all pool safety rules and utilizing appropriate discipline guidelines to ensure a secure environment. 

• Guides students through logical, incremental skill progressions, ensuring sufficient practice time is provided for students to master functional abilities at their own pace. 

• Identifies and corrects improper strokes or movements using positive reinforcement, tactile cues, and adaptive equipment. 

• Communicates clearly and empathetically with students, using verbal instructions, visual aids, or hand signs tailored to the student’s specific communication style. 

• Administers First Aid and CPR/AED as needed, maintaining composure and proficiency in emergency situations involving participants. 

• Ensures the pool environment and specialized equipment such as ADA pool lifts are optimal for students with sensory or physical sensitivities. 

• Inspects, prepares, and properly maintains all paddle boards, paddles, safety gear, and instructional equipment, reporting any necessary repairs or hazards to the Aquatic Director immediately. 

• Works effectively and cooperatively with the team of other instructors, directors, and support staff, actively contributing to a positive staff culture. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older and a high school graduate. 
• Formal or informal education or training that ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance, supplemented by specialized adaptive training AND, 
• Up to ten (10) hours of documented shadowing of a Lead Adaptive Instructor OR approved asynchronous online modules covering ASD, Cerebral Palsy, and sensory processing. 
• Completion of a minimum 10-hour in-person formal training in adaptive aquatics (e.g., Swim Angelfish, YMCA Adaptive In-Service, or recognized Special Education Aquatic certifications). 

• Current YMCA Swim Lesson (YSL) Certification or American Red Cross WSI Certification. Those hired with the American Red Cross certification are required to obtain the YMCA certification within six (6) months of hire. 

• Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (CPRO) that must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute. 

• Current First Aid certification and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute. 

• Current Emergency Oxygen (O2) Administration certification and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute. 

Pay Range