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Adaptive Swim Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Instruct swimming lessons (group, private, and or adaptive) for all ages and swim levels in ... YMCA Swim Instructor certification, or equivalent. * CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic ...

Instruct swimming lessons (group, private, and or adaptive) for all ages and swim levels in ... YMCA Swim Instructor certification, or equivalent. * CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic ...

Instruct swimming lessons (group, private, and or adaptive) for all ages and swim levels in ... YMCA Swim Instructor certification, or equivalent. * CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic ...

Instruct swimming lessons (group, private, and or adaptive) for all ages and swim levels in ... YMCA Swim Instructor certification, or equivalent * At least 17 years of age * CPR for the ...

Instruct swimming lessons (group, private, and or adaptive) for all ages and swim levels in ... YMCA Swim Instructor certification, or equivalent * At least 17 years of age * CPR for the ...

Instruct swimming lessons (group, private, and or adaptive) for all ages and swim levels in ... YMCA Swim Instructor certification, or equivalent. * CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic ...

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Adaptive Swim Instructor information

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$8

$19

$39

How much do adaptive swim instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, and 96% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,216 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Swim Instructor II

Swim Instructor II

YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

Lawrenceville, GA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago


YMCA Of Metro Atlanta rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

574th of 679 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we're looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.
At the Y, we're an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
Reporting directly to the Aquatics Director, the Swim Instructor II teaches swim lessons to all age groups and skill levels and maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and provides direct leadership, instruction, and motivation for students in both groups, private/semi-private or adaptive swim classes.
RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
  • Instruct swimming lessons (group, private, and or adaptive) for all ages and swim levels in accordance with YMCA guidelines.
  • Create and implement lesson plans according to age and swim level and supports members and program participants in achieving their goals.
  • Teach proper swimming techniques, including strokes, breathing, and water safety, in accordance with the YMCA adaptive swim lesson skills.
  • Provide feedback and encouragement to help students improve their swimming skills.
  • Ensure a safe and positive learning environment for all participants.
  • Monitor and manage student behavior during lessons.
  • Develops and maintains positive relationships with volunteers, members or program participants, and colleagues at all levels of the organization.
  • Help participants and families connect with each other and the YMCA and encourages parent or caregiver involvement.
  • Convey information on aquatics programs and schedules and as appropriate refers program participants and families to other programs.
  • Maintain records as required (e.g., attendance, progress reports).
  • Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.
  • Organize and put away needed class equipment. Reports damaged equipment.
  • Train and supervise class aides.
  • Support and lead quarterly in-services.
  • Ability to instruct and observe participants in proper stroke techniques.
  • Ability to lift equipment, and to lift a small to average size child.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • YMCA Swim Instructor certification, or equivalent
  • At least 17 years of age
  • CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, Basic First Aid and Emergency Oxygen certifications required
  • Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards
  • Principles of Youth Development E-Learning (within 30 days of hire)
  • Y-USA Leader Certification (within 90 days of hire)
  • At least 6 months experience
  • Previous experience working with students
  • Strong swimming skills and knowledge of various swimming techniques
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to adapt teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, for cognitive and physical disabilities
  • Knowledge of behavior management techniques for working with children
  • CPR and First Aid certification (ability to obtain within 30 days of employment)

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
  • Previous experience working with students, preferably in a swim instruction or coaching role
  • current or former competitive swimming experience
  • Adaptive swim certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.
Employment Requirement:
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening, motor vehicle record (MVR) and reference check according to company policy.
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we're looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Location:
J.M. Tull Gwinnett Family YMCA

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