Swim Instructor

join to apply for the swim instructor role at frederick county public schools
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non‑benefited salary grade s04: $18.88 per hour. Daily work hours may vary.

the fcps swim instructor role teaches swimming and water safety skills to children and adults in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. Instructors design and deliver lessons that help participants develop the fundamental swimming and water safety abilities necessary for safety in and around water. Swim instructors play a key role in ensuring program quality, participant growth, and community well‑being through safe, structured aquatic instruction.

The position supports the department’s mission to promote aquatic safety, physical literacy, and lifelong fitness for all learners. Instructors receive training in instructional methods, class management, and safety protocols through fcps supervisory staff. Certification requires annual reviews and hands‑on training with a certified instructor to maintain instructional and safety standards.

• deliver swimming and water safety lessons using fcps-approved lesson plans and instructional guidelines.
• adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of participants with varying health, fitness, cognitive, mobility, and communication abilities.
• modify activities and teaching techniques, such as using visual cues, additional demonstrations, or flexible grouping, to support inclusion and success for all participants.
• prepare all necessary equipment and materials before class begins and ensure lessons start and end on time.
• plan backup activities (e.g., land‑based or classroom lessons) in case the pool becomes temporarily unavailable.
• foster a positive learning environment that encourages confidence, skill development, and enjoyment of physical activity.

• maintain participant safety as the highest priority during all classes and activities.
• work collaboratively with lifeguards, facility staff, and management to identify and eliminate potential hazards.
• enforce facility rules consistently and educate participants and patrons on safe behavior and water safety practices.
• ensure vigilant supervision, including maintaining visibility of all swimmers at all times, especially during preschool sessions at the toddler table.
• adhere to appropriate instructor‑to‑student ratios as outlined for each class level to maintain safety and instructional quality.
• assist with emergency response as needed in coordination with certified lifeguards and supervisory staff.

• evaluate participants’ swimming and water safety skills based on established fcps advancement criteria for each level.
• use the station method collaboratively with other instructors to assess readiness for progression.
• record skill achievement throughout the session to track individual progress accurately.
• complete progress reports jointly with other instructors and distribute them to participants and parents on the final day.
• provide constructive feedback to participants and families to support continued skill development.
• communicate advancement recommendations clearly and align them with fcps swimming level standards.

• maintain professional, positive communication with participants, parents, and team members.
• begin and end classes punctually to allow time for brief discussions with parents regarding progress and upcoming levels.
• use progress reports to note accomplishments, provide “next steps,” and recommend appropriate placement for future sessions.
• inform supervisory staff promptly of any safety concerns, facility issues, or participant needs.
• encourage open dialogue that fosters trust, understanding, and continuous improvement in the program.

• accurately complete and submit attendance rosters and skill sheets at the end of each session.
• indicate clearly which participants are recommended to advance to the next level and which should repeat current skills.
• ensure proper distribution of documentation: one copy stays with the pool records and another is sent to parks and recreation.
• maintain organized records to support program evaluation and compliance with fcps…