1

Swim Instructor Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

Swim Instructor PT

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

The Bellevue Club Aquatics Department is looking to hire qualified and experienced Swim Instructors with a passion for teaching swimming to children. Prior experience teaching swim lessons with a ...

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

Issaquah, WA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Serve as a swim class instructor * Ensure proper procedures are followed in program activities, both with regard to safety and program guidelines. * Perform lifeguard responsibilities on a regular ...

Showing results 41-60

Swim Instructor information

See Federal Way, WA salary details

$9

$21

$44

How much do swim instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for swim instructor in Federal Way, WA is $21.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $23.37 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 near Federal Way, WA are hiring for Swim Instructor jobs?

Cities near Federal Way, WA with the most Swim Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Swim Instructor job openings in Federal Way, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,911 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

YMCA of Greater Kansas City

Puyallup, WA โ€ข On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor to join our team.
The YMCA focuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
As a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor, you will be responsible for performing Lifeguard and Swim Instructor duties while creating a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals. If hired for this position, you will also be responsible for promoting member engagement and safety by maintain safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Ensuring the safety of our members at all times by vigilantly scanning the water and pool deck areas, monitoring activities, identifying safety issues and concerns, enforcing rules, and following YMCA emergency procedures and protocols.
  • Instructing swimming lessons in basic and advanced stroke skills to youth members.
  • Performing necessary rescue actions, administering first aid and CPR in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the "safe-in-six" model; completing related reports as required.
  • Preparing class lesson plans with a natural progression of appropriate skills for the abilities and ages of the classes.
  • Knowing, understanding, consistently communicating, and applying safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic areas.
  • Attending monthly, quarterly, and/or annual training and certification courses.
  • Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants, and other staff.

Are you a good fit?
  • You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
  • You have a current Lifeguard, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, AED, First Aid, and Oxygen certifications.
  • You are at least 16 years old.
  • You have six months or more of related aquatics experience (preferred).
  • You have previous experience working with youth and diverse populations.
  • You are able and willing to take Child Abuse Prevention training on the first day as well as other online and in-person trainings as required.
  • Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).

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 with or without reasonable accommodation(s).
  • Regularly required to talk with members and program participants.
  • Frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to grasp and feel, and reach with hands and arms.
  • Frequently required to sit for long periods of time.
  • Occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
  • See and observe all sections of an assigned zone or area of responsibility (specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus).
  • Regularly in the water.
  • Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard.
  • Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
  • Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness.

Wages: $18.00 to $18.50 per hour, depending on qualifications
Hours: Part-Time, Up to 25 hours per week
Location: Mel Korum Family YMCA, Puyallup, WA
Benefits:
All YMCA Employees receive the below benefits:
  • A Personal YMCA membership and YMCA360 virtual streaming membership
  • Flexible scheduling around school and extracurricular activities Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center
  • Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
  • 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services and merchandise

Part-Time employees who work more than 20 hrs./week are eligible for the below voluntary benefit options:
  • HealthiestYou: by Teladoc (24/7 virtual general medical care access for non-emergency conditions)
  • Willamette Dental Plan
  • VSP Vision Plan

Ignite your Passion, Live the Y Cause, and Join our Team! To apply visit our website at www.ymcapkc.org.
The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled.
Aquatics Staff Job Description
Position Summary
Aquatics Staff are responsible for performing Lifeguard and Swim Instructor duties while creating a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals. They are also responsible for promoting member engagement and safety by maintain safe swimming conditions in the pool, deck and surrounding areas in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Provides a quality experience to children and parents focused on YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
โ€ข Ensure the safety of our members at all times by vigilantly scanning the water and pool deck areas, monitoring activities, identify safety issues and concerns, enforcing rules, and following YMCA emergency procedures and protocols.
โ€ข Know and review all emergency procedures and respond quickly and calmly in emergencies.
โ€ข Perform necessary rescue actions, administer first aid and CPR in accordance with YMCA policies, procedures, and the "safe-in-six" model; complete related reports as required.
โ€ข Prepare class lesson plans with a natural progression of appropriate skills for the abilities and ages of the classes.
โ€ข Safely instruct swimming lessons in basic and advanced stroke skills according to class swim level.
โ€ข Know, understand, and consistently communicate and apply safety rules, policies, and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area.
โ€ข Attend monthly, quarterly and/or annual trainings and certification courses as assigned.
โ€ข Attend and complete in-water training and drills as scheduled.
โ€ข Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
โ€ข Complete accident, incident reports, and rescue data sheets.
โ€ข Assist with keeping accurate records of lesson attendance, member usage charts, and safety inspections.
โ€ข Embraces and actively promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.
โ€ข Parent communication utilizing session report cards.
โ€ข Meet performance measurement by telling the Y story and raising charitable dollars to fulfill our mission.
โ€ข Assist staff leadership team in reaching campaign goals through recruiting campaigners, making personal asks and supporting branch events.
โ€ข Identify pool related hazards and perform cleaning and sanitation protocols.
โ€ข Staff are expected to adhere to all safety protocols and procedures, including the use of PPE.
โ€ข Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
โ€ข Minimum of 16 years of age or older.
โ€ข Must possess, or obtain and maintain YMCA Lifeguarding or Red Cross Lifeguarding certification and CPR/AED, Oxygen Administration and First aid certifications prior to hire.
โ€ข Six months or more of related experience preferred.
โ€ข Previous experience working with youth preferably in a program setting and diverse populations.
โ€ข Knowledge and skills in program activities and related aquatics and office equipment, and the ability to instruct participants in techniques.
โ€ข Must be able to demonstrate swim instructor skills in accordance with YMCA standards. Experience preferred.
โ€ข Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
โ€ข Physically perform all essential functions of a Lifeguard and Swim Instructor.
โ€ข Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
โ€ข Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment, including in the water and anywhere around the zone of responsibility.
โ€ข Remain alert with no lapses of consciousness or focus.
โ€ข Regularly required to talk.
โ€ข Frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
โ€ข Occasionally lift or move up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.
โ€ข Frequently works in and around chlorinated water.
โ€ข Regularly swims, moves and trains in the pool.
Employee Acknowledgement
This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of this position. This document is not an exhaustive list and other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or assigned at any time with or without advanced notice.
This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties may exercise employment-at-will rights at any time.
By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read the document in its entirety and that you understand the requirements, essential functions, and job duties of this position.
Further, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation(s), and that should you need assistance, that you are responsible for notifying your Director, Executive Director, and/or Human Resources.