Swim Instructor

Are you passionate about swimming and helping others learn? The City of Walnut is seeking energetic Swim Instructors to teach swim lessons, inspire confidence in the water, and create a safe, fun environment for learners of all ages.

Under supervision, incumbents are responsible for conducting structured swim lessons for participants of all ages and ability levels. Incumbents prepare lesson plans, teach swimming skills, evaluate progress, and ensure participant safety. Positions are part-time, seasonal, at-will, unbenefited, and work under the supervision of the Assistant Pool Manager and Pool Manager.

This classification is distinguished from the Lifeguard classification by its focus on teaching swim lessons and evaluating participant progress. Swim Instructors are not responsible for general pool surveillance unless separately certified and assigned.

• Plan, organize, and teach swimming lessons for all levels, from beginner through advanced.
• Prepare lesson plans, instructional materials, and skill progressions.
• Provide demonstrations and ensure participant safety during instruction.
• Evaluate participant skills and provide feedback to parents/guardians.
• Maintain accurate attendance and skill assessment records.
• Communicate courteously and effectively with participants and parents/guardians.
• Assist with special aquatic programs and events as assigned.
• Ensure safe use of equipment and reinforce proper technique.
• Follow established teaching methods in accordance with American Red Cross standards.
• Performs other job-related duties and responsibilities as required.

• Water safety and swimming instruction techniques.
• Skill progressions for beginner through advanced swim levels.
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) methods.
• Basic customer service and communication practices.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

• Teach swim skills effectively to varied age groups and skill levels.
• Adapt instruction to meet individual participant needs.
• Communicate clearly and positively with children and adults.
• Maintain discipline and ensure a safe learning environment.
• Recognize unsafe conditions and respond appropriately.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Aquatics experience or prior experience teaching swim lessons or working with children is desirable. Participation in a swim team or water polo team is preferred.

Education: Must be at least 16 years of age with completion of the 10th grade or currently enrolled in high school.

License or Certificates: All certifications must be valid at time of employment.

• Possession of an American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR certificate.
• Possession of an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Certificate.
• If under 18, possession of a valid work permit.

The City of Walnut may provide required certifications at no cost by enrolling successful candidates in City-sponsored training classes. Applicants who already hold the required certifications may be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket costs upon completion of the summer season.

Work in an outdoor environment with prolonged exposure to the sun, elements, water, and pool chemicals; frequent standing, swimming, walking, bending, stooping, and climbing; may lift and carry up to 25 lbs., and up to 100+ lbs. during rescues; work on slipper and uneven surfaces; part-time, have mobility, acute vision, acute hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties performed; seasonal, at-will work that may include weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.