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Adaptive Swim Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adaptive Swim Instructor

Newton, MA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Our Adaptive Swim Instructors use previous experience, coupled with the Swim Angelfish methodology, while receiving significant team support. The Aquatics Team is a lively and fun group to work with.

Adaptive Swim Teacher

Fitchburg, WI · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Adaptive Aquatics, Swim Instructor Certification, CPR/First Aid, Lifeguard Why Join Us: * Rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact * Supportive team environment * Ongoing training and ...

Adaptive Swim Teacher

Verona, WI · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Adaptive Aquatics, Swim Instructor Certification, CPR/First Aid, Lifeguard Why Join Us: * Rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact * Supportive team environment * Ongoing training and ...

Adaptive Aquatics, Swim Instructor Certification, CPR/First Aid, Lifeguard Why Join Us: * Rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact * Supportive team environment * Ongoing training and ...

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Adaptive Swim Instructor information

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How much do adaptive swim instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for adaptive swim instructor in the United States is $19.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Adaptive Swim Instructors typically collaborate with other professionals to support swimmers with diverse needs?

Adaptive Swim Instructors often work closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and special education professionals to create individualized lesson plans tailored to each swimmer’s abilities. This collaboration ensures that lessons are safe, effective, and aligned with any therapeutic or educational goals the swimmer may have. Regular communication with caregivers and support staff is also common, allowing instructors to adapt their approach based on feedback and progress. This team-based environment helps provide comprehensive support and fosters a positive experience for swimmers with diverse needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Adaptive Swim Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adaptive Swim Instructor, you need a solid understanding of swim instruction, adaptive techniques for diverse abilities, and relevant certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety Instructor (WSI). Familiarity with adaptive aquatic equipment and experience with specialized swim lesson plans are often required. Patience, excellent communication, and a compassionate attitude are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting swimmers with varying physical or cognitive needs. These skills ensure a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that fosters confidence and skill development in all participants.

What are Adaptive Swim Instructors?

Adaptive Swim Instructors are professionals who teach swimming skills to individuals with disabilities or special needs. They modify traditional swim instruction techniques to accommodate each swimmer’s unique physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges. These instructors use specialized methods and adaptive equipment, ensuring that everyone can learn water safety and swimming, regardless of ability. Their goal is to build confidence, improve motor skills, and promote independence in the water for all participants.

What is the difference between Adaptive Swim Instructor vs Swim Instructor?

AspectAdaptive Swim InstructorSwim Instructor
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Adaptive Aquatics CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentSpecial needs pools, inclusive programsPublic or private pools, general swim lessons
Employer & IndustrySpecialized aquatics programs, adaptive sports organizationsCommunity pools, swim schools, recreation centers

Adaptive Swim Instructors focus on teaching swimming to individuals with disabilities, requiring specialized certifications and working in inclusive environments. Standard Swim Instructors teach general swim lessons without the need for adaptive certifications. Both roles involve water safety and teaching skills but differ in target populations and certification requirements.

More about Adaptive Swim Instructor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Adaptive Swim Instructor jobs? The most popular types of Adaptive Swim Instructor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Adaptive Swim Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 73% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 32% Physical, and 68% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,216 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Adaptive Swim Instructor

Adaptive Swim Instructor

JCC Greater Boston

Newton, MA • On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

JCC Greater Boston is seeking a part-time Adaptive Aquatics Instructor. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on making a difference and has experience in teaching skills that enrich the lives of children and adults with disabilities. The JCC Greater Boston's Adaptive Swim instructor is a specialist in our swim program. This is an opportunity for you to transform the lives of people you work with while developing lifelong skills.
Our Adaptive Swim Instructors use previous experience, coupled with the Swim Angelfish methodology, while receiving significant team support. The Aquatics Team is a lively and fun group to work with. We seek new team members who possess high standards, are customer service-oriented, and are collaborative.
Responsibilities include, and are not limited to:
  • Create a safe, supportive environment which fosters confidence and develops swimmer proficiency
  • Establish individual swim goals, identify roadblocks, address challenges, and help swimmers meet swim skill benchmarks that create water safety, increase leisure and promote overall swim abilities
  • Use discretion, adapting the approach, as needed, to meet the unique needs of each swimmer
  • Provide ongoing, effective communication with the supervisor regarding all classes and programming
  • Recognize and respond according to protocols for emergencies
  • Teaches swimmers (children and adults) with special needs using prior experience and predesigned lessons. Sessions may be with individuals or groups. Lessons may require hands on work in the pool with young children.
  • Builds swimmers' confidence, skills, and love of swimming
  • Tracks skill development (record keeping).
  • Sets up and breaks down equipment.
  • Enforces the rules and regulations of the pools consistently
  • Maintains good working relationships with staff members, maintenance personnel, and administrative personnel.
  • Resolves member concerns professionally, or escalates them, as appropriate.
  • Able and willing to follow directions from supervisors, and follows protocols.
  • Develops professional relationships with members.
  • Attends all mandatory trainings and in-services.

JCC Greater Boston is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values - Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation - which resonate with many who do not identify as Jewish.
This part-time position has a starting pay rate of $30-$40 per hour. The pay rate offered will ultimately be determined by relevant qualifications and experience, and internal pay equity. Offering approximately +/-15 hours/week.
About JCC Greater Boston
Since opening its doors in 1983, JCC Greater Boston has been committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, diverse community by nurturing meaningful, lasting relationships. Through our network of early learning centers, day camps, regional teen and family programs, health and wellness offerings, and adult arts and ideas classes, JCC Greater Boston provides highly valued connections, learning, and experiences for the Jewish community and friends.
JCC Greater Boston staff enjoy working in an innovative, friendly, and welcoming environment where their talents and contributions are appreciated. In our recent employee survey, staff rated their direct management and organizational alignment experiences close to 90% positive. If you want to upgrade your working experience and have a better work-life balance, we encourage you to explore becoming part of the JCC team!
The JCC is deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the uniqueness of each constituent. We welcome staff and participants from diverse backgrounds. While being proudly Jewish, we strive in every way to provide an open and welcoming setting for all, irrespective of personal practices, beliefs, or background. We are guided by JCC Greater Boston's core values: Belonging, Joyfulness, Collaboration, and Transformation, which we hope resonate with all.
To learn more about what makes JCC Greater Boston a wonderful place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.bostonjcc.org/careers/
JCC Greater Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or disability. In a continuing effort to maintain and enrich a diverse environment, we actively encourage applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.
Requirements
Requires a High School diploma or equivalent and must have at least 6 months prior experience working with persons with disabilities in the adapted space, working with various populations including children and adults. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted at the JCC's discretion to meet minimum criteria.
  • Must be 16 years or older at the time of hire.
  • Must be able to complete Swim Angelfish certification within 2 weeks of hire.

Skills & Abilities
  • Good communication skills with children
  • Demonstrates an effective ability to communicate with community members and coworkers in person, over email, and on the phone
  • Calm, patient, flexible, creative, and empathic
  • Dedication to working with both children and adults, helping them achieve their goals
  • A strong customer service and teamwork orientation; models a strong team player approach
  • Able to use a gentle, effective approach when working, being able to adjust to different personalities, aptitudes, and attentional levels
  • Capable of attending in-person and online training (Paid Training)
  • Highly dependable; ability to work a flexible schedule
  • Committed to delivering quality customer service
  • Personable and friendly
  • Can build strong relationships with students
  • Willing to follow directions from supervisors and follow protocols
  • Ability to make safety-related decisions

Physical Requirements
  • See, hear, and cognitively recognize situations requiring lifeguarding services
  • Work in a high temperature and high humidity environment for extended periods while wearing required personal protective equipment
  • Read routine and technical documents, write, understand, and speak English.
  • Follow set instructions for the swimming program
  • Stand, walk, sit, stoop, and kneel frequently
  • Swim at an intermediate level
  • Lift up to 30 pounds
  • Use a computer and answer a telephone

ADA Statement: Individuals must possess these criteria for knowledge, skills and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation and using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Benefits
JCCGB Perks! Each employee is eligible for a free individual membership to JCC Greater Boston's top class fitness, recreation and wellness facility in Newton - offering virtual and in-person programs including indoor swimming, many fitness classes, and workout facilities, as well as discounts to many JCCGB events, classes, outdoor pool, and more! Complimentary individual membership includes:
• Use of the Fitness Center at Leventhal-Sidman
• Access to group fit classes, Arts & Culture adult programming at member rates,
• Discounts on a variety JCCGB's fitness/wellness programs and services
• Free wellness events!
Benefits are subject to review and change by the Organization, and plan documents are the primary determinant.
A Great Place to Work! JCC Greater Boston is consciously evolving as a great place to work! In our recent 2023 employee engagement survey, at least 88% of our staff gave us top ratings on:
• Supportive colleagues
• Team camaraderie
• How their managers treat them
• Individual autonomy
• Knowing what their work contributes to and how it impacts others
• Pride in working for the JCC
• Program and service quality
• Holding ourselves accountable
Our staff and leadership bring experience, excellence, and commitment to everything we offer and we are dedicated to a culture where all our employees may thrive. Our culture is built on our values, driven by our mission, and nurtured through the expert contributions of our professionals.