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Swim Instructor Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

THE ROLE The Swim Instructor/Lifeguard plays an important role, providing quality leisure programs, services and ensuring the safety of our military members and their families. Our services are ...

Lifeguard/Instructor

Lloydminster, AB · On-site

CA$24.85 - CA$27.12/hr

Instructs the Swim for Life programs, of all ages and abilities. Duties * Educate the public ... Swim for Life Instructor. * Standard First Aid/CPR C. * Ability to maintain physical standards ...

Swim Instructor information

See Alberta salary details

$8

$16

$27

How much do swim instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for swim instructor in Alberta is $16.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a swim instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Swim Instructor, you need strong swimming proficiency, knowledge of water safety, and usually certifications such as American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or equivalent. Familiarity with pool safety equipment and lesson planning tools is often required. Patience, clear communication, and motivational skills help instructors connect with students of all ages and abilities. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating a safe and effective learning environment, ensuring student progress and confidence in the water.

What are some common challenges swim instructors face when teaching beginners, and how can they be addressed?

Swim instructors often encounter challenges such as managing fear of water, maintaining class engagement, and adapting teaching methods to different learning styles. To address these, instructors use positive reinforcement, break skills into smaller steps, and create a supportive, fun environment. Building trust and clear communication are essential for helping beginners gain confidence and progress safely. Collaborating with other instructors and sharing techniques can also enhance teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.

What is a swim instructor?

Swim instructors are professionals who teach individuals or groups how to swim and improve their swimming techniques. They work with people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners learning water safety to advanced swimmers refining their strokes. Swim instructors are responsible for planning lessons, demonstrating techniques, ensuring safety, and providing encouragement and feedback. They often work at pools, recreation centers, or private facilities, and many hold certifications in swim instruction and water safety.

How much do you get paid as a swim instructor?

Swim instructors typically earn between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certification level. Many also receive additional pay for private lessons or advanced skills, and some work part-time or seasonal schedules.

What does a swim instructor do?

A swim instructor teaches swimming lessons and oversees activities in a pool. Your responsibilities in this career are to teach water safety and swimming techniques and assist during an emergency if necessary. Your duties have you working with children and adults in a group setting or one-on-one coaching. The skill levels of your students can range from those looking to learn the basics to athletes looking to improve their performance. You monitor your students and maintain reports on their progress. A swim instructor can work at a swimming facility or provide private lessons at a client's home.

What is the difference between Swim Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectSwim InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR/AED, Water Safety Instructor certification, swim lesson certificationsCPR/AED, Lifeguard certification, First Aid
Work EnvironmentSwimming pools, swim schools, aquatic centersSwimming pools, beaches, water parks
Primary ResponsibilitiesTeaching swimming skills, water safety, stroke techniquesMonitoring water areas, preventing drownings, emergency response

While both Swim Instructors and Lifeguards work in aquatic environments and hold CPR/AED certifications, Swim Instructors focus on teaching swimming techniques and water safety skills. Lifeguards primarily monitor water areas to prevent accidents and respond to emergencies. The roles often overlap but serve different primary functions within aquatic safety and education.

What cities in Alberta are hiring for Swim Instructor jobs?

Cities in Alberta with the most Swim Instructor job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Swim Instructor jobs in AB?

For Swim Instructor jobs in AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Swim Instructor job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,641 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

CFMWS - WHERE PURPOSE MEETS PASSION!

At Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS), we’re more than just a workplace; we’re a proud community dedicated to supporting Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families in their daily lives. We carefully curate and provide programs and services designed to meet their unique needs and enhance their mental, social, physical, financial and familial well-being. CFMWS employees deliver programs and services including recreation, sports and fitness programs, customized financial services, retail services, access to retail savings and discounts and offers family support and organizes charity events.

Our success stems from living our values. Our employees care about their role in supporting Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families and act with integrity in all they do. Thriving in our close-knit environment, we act as one team with one mission. We constantly seek new ideas and creative ways to deliver the best possible programs and services.

As an employer, we offer a commitment to your health, wellness and growth. We provide a diverse range of roles across many locations and a career where you can make a meaningful impact.

THE ROLE

The Swim Instructor/Lifeguard plays an important role, providing quality leisure programs, services and ensuring the safety of our military members and their families.

Our services are tailored to help families with the challenges they may face due to military life and make the most of everyday activities such as going to the pool or beach. We believe that when members of the Canadian Armed Forces are able to take good care of themselves and their families, they can do better both at home and at work. Whether families need to sign the kids up for swimming lessons, improve their fitness, make friends in a new community, our services are here to help.

Lifeguarding is an exciting and rewarding job that carries great responsibility. Guards take courses and train hard for events they hope will never happen and which they work hard to prevent. As a Swim Instructor/Lifeguard, you will prepare and deliver swimming lessons and supervise those using the pool ensuring their safety. When guarding you will prevent accidents and spot potential trouble and intervene before it becomes life-threatening. You will explain safety rules to swimmers and enforce them. As an instructor you will teach participants how to swim and be responsible for designing activities for particular groups, such as seniors or children. You will motivate your students and help them reach their full potential. You will have a chance to expand your skills and share your passions as all with the goal of improving the quality of life for our military.

We are looking for dynamic, independent and motivated individuals to join our team, helping us ensure recreation stays safe and fun!

Learn more about CFMWS’ aquatics team by visiting https://cfmws.ca/Aquatics-Team.

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED

Education, Certifications and Licenses

An acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience

Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification

Current CPR and Standard First Aid certification

Current recognized Swim Instructor certification

HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development or HIGH FIVE Sport (successful completion by end of probation)

HIGH FIVE Healthy Minds for Healthy Children (successful completion by end of probation)

Experience

In dealing with the public, including, but limited to, children

In performing lifeguard duties

In the implementation of training and practice sessions

In the development and implementation of individual training plans

In cash handling

Competencies

Client focus, organizational knowledge, communication, innovation, teamwork and leadership

Skills and Abilities

Observational skills

Communication skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Ability to react and respond in emergency situations

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

English Essential / Bilingual (English and French) an asset

Reading: None

Writing: None

Oral: Functional

BENEFITS AVAILABLE

Health Benefits: Employee and Family Assistance Program

Work Life Balance: Vacation pay.

Retirement Planning: Group Savings Plans.

Learning and Development: Free second language training.

Explore all the benefits CFMWS offers by visiting: https://cfmws.ca/Benefits

OTHER INFORMATION

Perform moderate lifting, carrying, pulling and/or pushing (i.e. more than 10 lbs/4.5 kg but less than 50 lbs/23 kg).

High degree of focus required.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check.

This is an on-site position with an assigned work location.

START DATE

As soon as possible

INCLUSION AND ACCOMODATION

CFMWS is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment, where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who can help us build a workforce that reflects the diversity of Canadian society. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or assessment, you should advise the recruitment team in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.