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Certified Water Safety Instructor Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

East Bank Club

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

Chicago, IL

$24 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification or equivalent preferred. * American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification required (Shallow Water or deeper) This is a year-round position (not ...

East Bank Club

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification or equivalent preferred. * American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification required (Shallow Water or deeper) This is a year-round position (not ...

East Bank Club

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification or equivalent preferred. * American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification required (Shallow Water or deeper) This is a year-round position (not ...

East Bank Club

Swim Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification or equivalent preferred * First Aid and CPR certification required (can be obtained after hire) Benefits Time Off & Retirement * Paid Time Off ...

East Bank Club

Swim Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification or equivalent preferred * First Aid and CPR certification required (can be obtained after hire) Benefits Time Off & Retirement * Paid Time Off ...

East Bank Club

Swim Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor certification or equivalent preferred * First Aid and CPR certification required (can be obtained after hire) Benefits Time Off & Retirement * Paid Time Off ...

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All JobsCertified Water Safety Instructor JobsCertified Water Safety Instructor Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Certified Water Safety Instructor information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

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How much do certified water safety instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified water safety instructor in Park Ridge, IL is $16.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $17.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a certified water safety instructor?

A Certified Water Safety Instructor is a trained professional who teaches individuals of all ages how to swim and stay safe in and around water. They are certified through organizations such as the American Red Cross after completing specialized coursework and practical training. Water Safety Instructors educate students on swimming techniques, water safety rules, and rescue skills. Their goal is to reduce the risk of drowning and promote safe aquatic activities. Instructors may work at pools, community centers, camps, or recreational facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified water safety instructor?

To thrive as a Certified Water Safety Instructor, you need strong swimming proficiency, knowledge of water safety protocols, and certification from recognized organizations such as the American Red Cross. Familiarity with aquatic safety equipment, lesson planning tools, and first aid/CPR certification is typically required. Exceptional communication, patience, and leadership skills help instructors effectively teach diverse age groups and respond calmly to emergencies. These abilities are vital for ensuring participant safety, effective learning, and successful aquatic program delivery.

What are some common challenges certified water safety instructors face when teaching diverse age groups?

Certified Water Safety Instructors often work with students ranging from young children to adults, each with varying comfort levels and abilities in the water. A common challenge is adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of different age groups and learning styles while maintaining safety and engagement. Instructors must be flexible, patient, and skilled at providing clear instructions and reassurance, especially for those who may be fearful or have special needs. Collaboration with other instructors and lifeguards is also crucial to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

What is the difference between Certified Water Safety Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectCertified Water Safety InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsWater Safety Instructor certification, CPR, First AidLifeguard certification, CPR, First Aid
Work EnvironmentTeaching swim lessons, water safety classesMonitoring pools, rescuing swimmers
Primary RoleEducate and train individuals in water safetyEnsure safety and respond to emergencies

While both roles require CPR and First Aid certifications, a Certified Water Safety Instructor focuses on teaching swim and water safety skills, whereas a Lifeguard primarily monitors swimmers and performs rescues. The certifications overlap but serve different primary functions within aquatic safety.

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Certified Water Safety Instructor jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Certified Water Safety Instructor job openings:

Certified Water Safety Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Water Safety Instructor job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,148 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Aquatics - Lesson Instructor PT

WAUKEGAN PARK DISTRICT

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$15 - $20.70/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Status of Employment:
Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation & Benefits:

Expected hiring range $15.00 to $16.00 based on education, experience, and skills.
 

Click here for a quick look at benefits!

Position Summary

The purpose of the Aquatics - Lesson Instructor is to provide effective instruction in swimming techniques and water safety. Instruction is provided to participants with diverse skill levels and ages. This position is required to adhere to all Waukegan Park District (District) policies and procedures.

Essential Functions

  • Instructs and models correct swimming strokes and breathing techniques for students of all ages and skill levels ensuring safety and adherence to program standards.
  • Assesses student progress and gives feedback to promote improvement and confidence in the water.
  • Participates in the water to demonstrate techniques and ensure student safety.
  • Communicates with youth participants’ parents and responds to their inquiries and needs with promptness and professionalism.
  • Inspects and prepares necessary equipment before lessons and reports any maintenance or safety issues promptly.
  • Modifies teaching methods to accommodate varying abilities, learning styles, and special needs, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment.
  • Maintains constant visual supervision of students, enforces pool rules, and responds promptly to emergencies following established safety protocol.
  • Collaborates with experienced staff to modify and implement swimming lessons to ensure objectives are met.
  • Assists in maintaining swimming lesson supplies and equipment.
  • Answers customer inquiries or directs to appropriate staff as necessary.
  • Works special events as needed.
  • Assists staff in the performance of their duties.
  • Works evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
  • Conducts duties adhering to all safety requirements.
  • Performs other duties and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor to support the department or the District.

Age:

  • 16 years and older

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred

Experience

  • One (1) year experience working with children preferred
  • One (1) year experience swimming instruction preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Lifeguard standards preferred
  • Water Safety Instructor standards preferred
  • Swim confidently maintaining buoyancy and control using standard swimming strokes
  • Modify teaching techniques
  • Bilingual English and Spanish preferred
  • Develop positive rapport with interpersonal departments, public, vendors, contractors, media, and community groups
  • Communicate effectively through listening, speaking, writing, and non-verbal cues
  • Demonstrate initiative and responsibility
  • Make timely and effective decisions
  • Prioritize work efficiently and effectively
  • Follow procedures to obtain appropriate results
  • Manage own time with minimal direction

License/Certification

  • First Aid/CPR/AED certification required within one (1) year of hire date
  • Water Safety Instructor Certification preferred

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 4pm-8pm; Saturday 9am-3pm. Days and hours will vary. 10-20 hours per week.

Contact:
Brooklyn Mattner
Recreation Specialist - Aquatics
847-782-3628 / bmattner@waukeganparks.org

Closing Date:
Open until filled.

Apply