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Swim Instructor Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Store Director

North Liberty, IA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

This includes salaried assistant managers, swim staff, retail team members, dive professionals, and ... This includes effective class scheduling, lead follow-up, instructor scheduling, equipment sales ...

This includes salaried assistant managers, swim staff, retail team members, dive professionals, and ... This includes effective class scheduling, lead follow-up, instructor scheduling, equipment sales ...

Aquatic Director

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$40K - $52K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This includes, but is not limited to lifeguards, aerobics classes, swimming lessons and pool ... Train all instructors to help, assist, motivate and retain all members * Responsible for organizing ...

Lifeguard

Johnston, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

Maintain order and safety in swimming areas to prevent accidents and provide assistance to swimmers ... ARC Water Safety instructor (WSI) certification preferred Performance Criteria Professional

Lifeguard II

Cherokee, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

They will assist other aquatic staff by sharing their knowledge of policy and procedures. The ... YMCA Lifeguard instructor preferred. * YMCA Leader Certificate (obtained within 90 days)

Pool Manager

North Liberty, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

... Center. Assist in training and development of lifeguard staff and conduct regular in-service ... Current certification as a Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor*, CPR-PR and First Aid with American Red ...

Pool Manager

North Liberty, IA · On-site

$17.50/hr

... Center. * Assist in training and development of lifeguard staff and conduct regular in-service ... Current certification as a Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor*, CPR-PR and First Aid with American Red ...

Showing results 21-31

Swim Instructor Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$5

$15

$26

How much do swim instructor assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for swim instructor assistant in Iowa is $15.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $17.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Swim Instructor Assistant vs Lifeguard?

AspectSwim Instructor AssistantLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Swim Instructor Assistant certificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard certification
Work EnvironmentIndoor/outdoor pools, swim classes, teaching supportPoolside, monitoring safety, rescue duties
Employer & IndustrySwim schools, community pools, aquatic centersPublic pools, beaches, aquatic facilities

Swim Instructor Assistants primarily support swim instructors by helping with class activities and ensuring student safety, while Lifeguards focus on monitoring pool safety and performing rescues. Both roles require CPR and First Aid certifications and are essential in aquatic environments, but their main responsibilities differ: teaching support versus safety supervision.

What are some common challenges faced by swim instructor assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Swim Instructor Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing groups of children with varying swimming abilities and keeping all participants engaged and safe. Effective communication, patience, and adaptability are key to addressing these challenges. Building rapport with students, assisting the lead instructor with demonstrations, and actively monitoring the pool area can help create a safe, positive learning environment. Additionally, collaborating closely with the lead instructor ensures that lessons run smoothly and that all swimmers receive appropriate attention.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a swim instructor assistant?

To thrive as a Swim Instructor Assistant, you need basic swimming proficiency, knowledge of water safety, and often a CPR/First Aid certification. Familiarity with pool safety equipment and lesson planning tools is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and the ability to encourage and motivate young swimmers are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure a safe, supportive, and effective learning environment for students in the pool.

How much can a swim instructor assistant make?

A swim instructor assistant typically earns between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the facility. Some positions may offer additional benefits or opportunities for advancement with certifications such as CPR or lifeguard training.

How to become a swim instructor assistant?

To become a swim instructor assistant, candidates typically need to be at least 15 years old, have basic swimming skills, and complete a water safety or lifeguard certification. Some employers may also require CPR certification and previous experience working with children or in aquatic environments.

What is a swim instructor assistant?

Swim Instructor Assistants are individuals who support certified swim instructors in teaching swimming lessons and ensuring the safety of participants. They help organize classes, supervise swimmers, demonstrate swimming techniques, and provide encouragement to students, especially beginners or children. Their role is vital in maintaining a safe and positive learning environment during swimming sessions. While they may not lead classes independently, they play a key part in helping students develop confidence and skills in the water.

What are the most commonly searched types of Swim Instructor jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Swim Instructor jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Swim Instructor Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Swim Instructor Assistant job openings:

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Position Title:            Aquatic Instructor
Department:              Operations and Maintenance/Athletics
Immediate Supervisor:         Aquatic Center Manager
Summary:
Responsible for planning and teaching aquatic programs and/or general aquatic safety, responding to any incident within the facility, enforcing rules, being responsive to visitor/staff requests and ensuring the safety of all participants in the Aquatic Center. Maintains communication with Aquatic Center Manager on status of facility and any concerns in operations or procedures.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  (other duties may be assigned)
 
  • Instruct in an appropriate way for age group, experience and ability of participants so that they may meet the stated objectives of the course.
  • Be familiar with swim lesson plan and have the ability to use the course materials effectively.
  • Demonstrate skills and clearly explain them to participants.
  • Thoroughly cover all information required in the course.
  • Maintain constant surveillance and visually observe pool and area as directed. Monitor activities, provide instructions, and prevent accidents.
  • Enforce pool rules and regulations.
  • Provide general information on pool operations as needed. Caution swimmers regarding unsafe practices and safety hazards.
  • Respond to any injuries or incidents around the Aquatic Center facility quickly and appropriately.
  • Rescue participants in distress or danger of drowning.
  • Immediately report any unusual or unsafe acts or behaviors in any area of the Aquatic Center outside of the immediate pool area to the Aquatic Center Manager for appropriate action.
  • Assist to maintain a clean, safe and orderly pool, deck and Aquatic Center facility. Inspect facilities as directed and report any unsafe conditions or equipment promptly to the Aquatic Center Manager.    
  • Participate in all required meetings and trainings.
  • Communicate openly and regularly with Aquatic Center Manager and other facility team members.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, adhere to specified uniform requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned.
 
Supervisory Responsibilities:
      None
Minimum Education or Experience:
14 years of age or older
Professional Standards:
1.  Quality of work Uses proper procedures to complete tasks and assignments. Sets goals with supervisor and evaluates results to determine effectiveness.
2.  Quantity of work  The amount of work performed is evidence of high productivity; industrious; accountable for own fair share of work load; seeks additional tasks
3.  Knowledge of job  Participates in meetings, training and special events. Demonstrates knowledge of methods, procedures and practices of assigned duties. Demonstrates knowledge of job requirements. Exhibits good judgment in decisions. Keeps accurate inventory records.
4.  Creativity/Problem solving  Identifies and responds to problems effectively. Identifies and reports problems as they arise. Develops options to solve problems. Makes accurate and timely decisions.
5.  Interpersonal skills Works collaboratively with others; courteous; polite; pleasant; promotes positive image in contacts with co-workers and District customers.
6.  Dependability Accepts and completes assignments within specified time frames. Follows attendance and punctuality rules. Absent only with good cause and reports absences promptly.
7.  Professional appearance Adheres to the dress code requirements. Wears all personal protective equipment when needed.
8.  Organizational skills  Plans work to efficiently meet schedules and deadlines. Organizes equipment and work areas. Adjusts schedule to meet facility/staff needs.
9.  Safety Understands and follows proper safety procedures for work inside and outside the building. Works in a safe manner that does not endanger self and others.
10.  Written/Verbal communication Follows appropriate lines of authority in making requests or communicating concerns. Expresses thoughts and ideas in an understandable manner. Demonstrates courteous behavior. Communicates in a positive manner.
11.  Managing change/adaptability Demonstrates good understanding of organizational changes and communicates support for such change. Adapts to changes in schedule and work assignments      
12.  Professional approach  Professional, positive and helpful approach with visitors and District employees. Displays loyalty toward the organization.  Demonstrates a capacity to understand internal and external customer requirements and produces a professional level of service that is satisfactory.
13.  Flexibility Demonstrates openness to new organizational structures and procedures.  Willingly takes direction and will modify one's preferred way of doing things.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
  • Basic knowledge required to identify building conditions which could be hazardous. 
  • Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing employment testing of lifeguarding skills and knowledge.
  • Ability to quickly assess emergency health and safety situations and make proper decisions.
  • Knowledge of how to safely use equipment and tools required and safely perform tasks.
  • Knowledge of the practices and procedures associated with operation and upkeep of swimming pools and pool complexes.
 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Knowledge of swimming skills and the ability to teach swimming and water safety skills
  • Knowledge of and ability to use teaching aids, such as kickboards, lifejackets and diving rings.
  • Able to take direction and respond to requests in a courteous and helpful manner. 
 
  • Able to work independently and in teams to complete job duties and assignments in a timely manner and with limited supervision.
  • Ability to work varying work shifts, including weekends and evenings.
  • Able to perform basic mathematical skills, such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication to determine weight, volume and distance. 
  • Able to read, write and interpret rules, reports and procedure manuals as required to perform assignments.
  • Able to perceive identification numbers marked on material; read and understand numbers and volumes; and transcribe numbers.
  • Able to exercise good judgment and make appropriate decisions.
  • Able to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  • Able to quickly move hands and arms to grasp, or manipulate objects.
  • Able to coordinate two or more limbs while sitting, standing, or lying down.
  • Able to physically exert body over long periods of time.
  • Able to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time.
  • Able to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with the body, arms, and legs.
 
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
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods of time.  The employee frequently must squat, stoop or kneel, reach above the head and reach forward.  The employee must have the ability to lift a person off of the bottom of the pool and out of the water.  The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and waist more than the average person while performing the duties of this job.
The employee will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Infrequently, the employee will lift and/or move another person which may be in excess of 100 pounds out of the water with assistance.  The employee will sometimes push/pull items.  Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
Work Environment: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works indoors in and around a swimming pool, with uneven and/or slippery surfaces. The employee will work near or with moving mechanical equipment.  The employee will occasionally work around toxic or caustic chemicals and cleaning agents.  The employee must be able to meet deadlines with severe time constraints.   The noise level in the work environment is occasionally moderate but will frequently be loud.  At times there will be significant safety considerations due to unstable or slippery surfaces, exposure to chemical fumes, bloodborne pathogens and contact with cleaning materials.
By District Board policy, the district facilities and grounds are to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free zones.
 
The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this position.  These statements are not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision.