Summer Academy Water Safety Instructor Substitute

Overview

HGW is seeking a passionate and energetic individual who wishes to positively impact children's lives as a substitute Water Safety Instructor.

Work Locations

The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) Sub position will provide coverage as needed at one of HGW's three swim sites during Summer 2026. When serving in the WSI role, this position will lead swim instruction individually as well as in partnership with other WSIs and support staff and volunteers and will work collaboratively across three different pool sites as needed.

In the application, candidates will be asked to share their preference for the following locations:

Embassy of Switzerland

2900 Cathedral Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20008

UDC Natatorium

EB Henderson Sports Complex

4200 Connecticut Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20008

George Washington University Mount Vernon Campus Swim Center

2100 Foxhall Road NW

Washington, DC 20007

NOTE:

Pool is accessed from Whitehaven Parkway, across from St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School

Schedule

WSI substitutes will have a part-time, intermittent schedule of approximately 5-20 hours per week within our core program hours of Monday through Friday between 8:30 and 3:00 pm, as needed to cover staff absences.

2026 Program Dates

WSI Training: TBD

Staff Orientation: 06/23/2026-06/26/2026

Summer Program: 06/29/2026-07/31/2026

* There will be no program on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day on July 4th.

About Horizons Greater Washington

Horizons Greater Washington (HGW), an affiliate of Horizons National, is a dedicated leader in advancing educational opportunities by creating long-term partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools to create enriching out-of-school experiences that ignite the joy of learning for our students.

HGW supports over 400 students across grades 1-9 with robust year-round programming. Our approach is centered on whole-child development, specifically focusing on building problem-solving skills, fostering a strong sense of community responsibility, and instilling respect for self and others. By maintaining this multi-year commitment from the first to the ninth grade, HGW cultivates meaningful, long-term connections between diverse learners and dedicated, supportive staff.

Our program design and staff practices utilize a Positive Youth Development framework, prioritizing engagement, interaction, support, and a safe environment to effectively meet the needs of our youth.

The cornerstone of our work is the five-week Summer Academy, which expertly blends high-quality academics-with a specific focus on math, humanities, literacy, and STEAM-with comprehensive social-emotional learning, arts instruction, swimming, and confidence-building opportunities.

Position Description

HGW is seeking a passionate and energetic individual who wishes to transform children's lives as a Water Safety Instructor. Swimming is a core component of the Horizons model and an essential part of our overall strategy to advance equity. Students often begin the program as non-swimmers who are afraid of the water. The Water Safety Instructor sub will work with the rest of the Summer Swim team to ensure that we have full coverage for our Summer Swim Program.

WSIs ensure our staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to turn our students into confident, able swimmers whose newfound self-esteem and resilience spill over to the classroom.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Swim Director, the Water Safety Instructor's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Attending orientation sessions (as noted above) prior to the start of the program
• Leading all swim instruction, including directing both the Swim Program Support Staff and Program Support Staff where their support is needed in the pool and/or on the pool deck
• Implementing a standardized swimming curriculum that is in compliance with organizational goals and relevant state regulations
• Introducing water safety and survival concepts and skills to students when appropriate
• Enforcing pool safety standards for all students and staff through consistent and open communication
• Organizing and assisting in the design and implementation of special programs, activities, or instruction related to the pool (e.g., Swim Olympics)
• Completing and submitting records and documentation of completed lessons and promotions to the Site Director on a regular basis
• Monitoring and documenting student progress through weekly swim assessments
• Providing ongoing guidance to other HGW staff to ensure the effective and safe teaching of swimming competencies
• Maintaining an ongoing program of personal physical fitness, which may involve direct instruction of students in the pool
• Working with the aquatics facility staff to ensure students are adhering to all building rules and regulations

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Competencies

• Current American Red Cross Water Safety Instruction Certification, including CPR-PR/AED, First Aid for adult, swimmer and infant (or…