Lead Swim Instructor – Peninsula Y

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community.

At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation’s most pressing social issues.

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco , we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be
, Belong and Become
. With Truth & Courage
, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility
, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative
, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy
, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.

The Lead Swim Instructor supports the supervision and evaluation of swim instructor staff during group lessons. They oversee both weekday and weekend group swim lessons and may be required to instruct in place of an absent swim lesson instructor.

The Lead Swim Instructor ensures the safety and cleanliness of the aquatic environment, maintains pool operations, and coordinates training sessions while tracking certifications. This role requires a positive, professional, and respectful attitude when engaging with a diverse population of members and staff.

The Lead Swim Instructor upholds the YMCA Mission through programs that emphasize youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The position requires sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to collaborate effectively with members, staff, and volunteers. A strong understanding of aquatics is essential, along with the ability to communicate the YMCA aquatics program philosophy and motivate others.

• Instruct swimming lessons from the water, demonstrating familiarity with water to teach novice students basic skills.
• Ensure all swimming lessons are taught in accordance with YMCA standards to maintain quality and consistency.
• Provide excellent service to swim lesson participants and engage YMCA members at the facility.
• Utilize active listening and motivational interviewing to address member and participant concerns and manage conflict.
• Promote YMCA Aquatics programming, stay informed about available offerings, and encourage member participation.

• Serve as a leader on the pool deck, ensuring staff follow policies and procedures while delivering excellent customer service.
• Provide constructive feedback to Swim Lesson Instructors to ensure adherence to policies and procedures, contributing to staff development.
• Collaborate with Swim Instructor Trainers and other lead staff to plan and conduct in‑services, audits, evaluations, certification tracking, and compliance requirements.
• Lead onboarding and certification training, including YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor courses and ASHI courses.
• Attend required staff meetings and training; plan and lead in‑service sessions and other aquatic training.
• Maintain physical readiness to assist Lifeguards in an aquatic emergency.
• Remain alert to non‑swimmers being supervised and share responsibility for their safety in the pool.
• Manage emergency situations to ensure proper care, notification of emergency contacts, and activation of the branch chain of command.
• Collaborate in organizing Safety Around Water week components.

• Review and adjust the swim instructor schedule to ensure adequate coverage.
• Arrive on time for shifts and adhere to the scheduling policy, or arrange for substitutes if needed, unless directed otherwise by the supervisor.
• Commit to working at least…