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Swim Lessons Instructor Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Swim Lesson Instructor

Montclair, NJ · On-site

$18.13 - $21/hr

The swim lessons instructor is responsible for creating a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment for participants of all ages and abilities. This role focuses on delivering high-quality ...

The Master-Level Swim Lessons Instructor provides advanced swim instruction for adult and/or advanced-level swimmers seeking stroke refinement, endurance training, and technique development. This ...

Private Swim Instructor

Hempstead, NY · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Darien, CT · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Edison, NJ · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Scarsdale, NY · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Greenwich, CT · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Paramus, NJ · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Totowa, NJ · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Purchase, NY · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Wayne, NJ · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Roslyn, NY · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Airmont, NY · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Manalapan, NJ · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

Private Swim Instructor

Bedford, NY · On-site

$40 - $70/hr

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

InstaSwim is looking to hire professional and experienced private swim instructors to teach swim lessons in our clients private homes & community pools all within your location & surrounding cities!

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Showing results 1-20

Swim Lessons Instructor information

See New York salary details

$9

$21

$43

How much do swim lessons instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for swim lessons instructor in New York is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a swim lessons instructor do?

A Swim Lessons Instructor is responsible for teaching individuals or groups how to swim, ensuring they learn essential water safety skills and swimming techniques. Instructors typically work with children, but may also teach adults or people with special needs. Their duties include planning lessons, demonstrating swimming strokes, monitoring students for safety, and providing feedback to help improve technique. They often work at pools, fitness centers, or community centers and must be certified in first aid and CPR. Swim Lessons Instructors play a vital role in helping students gain confidence and competence in the water.

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

To thrive as a Swim Lessons Instructor, you need strong swimming proficiency, knowledge of water safety, and certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and often a Water Safety Instructor (WSI) credential. Familiarity with pool safety equipment and swim instruction curricula is typically required. Outstanding communication, patience, and the ability to motivate and reassure students are vital soft skills. These abilities ensure effective instruction, promote water safety, and help students build confidence and skills in the water.

What are some common challenges faced by swim lessons instructors, and how can they be managed?

Swim Lessons Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing students with varying skill levels within the same class, addressing water-related anxieties, and maintaining safety while keeping lessons engaging. Effective instructors use clear communication, adapt lesson plans, and build trust to help nervous swimmers feel comfortable. Collaborating closely with other instructors and lifeguards also ensures a safe and supportive environment, allowing for quick responses to any issues that arise.

What is the difference between Swim Lessons Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectSwim Lessons InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Water Safety Instructor certificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard certification
Work EnvironmentTeaching swimming skills in pools or aquatic centersMonitoring pool safety, preventing accidents, responding to emergencies
Employer & IndustrySwim schools, community pools, aquatic centersPublic pools, beaches, aquatic facilities

Swim Lessons Instructors focus on teaching swimming techniques and water safety, while Lifeguards primarily monitor pool safety and respond to emergencies. Both roles require CPR and First Aid certifications, but their daily responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

How do I become a certified swim lessons instructor?

To become a certified swim lessons instructor, you typically need to complete a recognized lifeguard certification, such as CPR and first aid, and obtain swim instructor certification through organizations like the American Red Cross or YMCA. These programs often require passing a skills assessment and may include coursework on teaching techniques and water safety. Having strong swimming skills and experience working with diverse age groups is also important.

Is being a swim lessons instructor worth it?

Being a swim lessons instructor can be a rewarding job that helps develop teaching and communication skills while promoting water safety. It often involves working with children or adults, requires certification in CPR and lifeguarding, and typically offers flexible hours. The job provides practical experience but may have variable pay depending on location and employer.
Infographic showing various Swim Lessons Instructor job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,998 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Swim Lesson Instructor

Montclair, NJ • On-site

$18.13 - $21/hr

Part-time

Vision, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Teach group swim lessons following YMCA Swim Lesson program structure, skill progressions, and safety standards.

  • Supervise participants at all times, maintaining vigilance and responding appropriately to emergency situations.

  • Communicate with participants and caregivers regarding class expectations, skill development, and progress.


Job description

 
To proceed with your application for this position, please complete the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment linked below. Ensure you finish the assessment for your application to be reviewed.

Behavioral Assessment Link



POSITION SUMMARY:

The YMCA is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities and is the nation's largest provider of swim lessons, helping individuals build skills and stay safe in and around the year. The swim lessons instructor is responsible for creating a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment for participants of all ages and abilities. This role focuses on delivering high-quality instruction aligned with YMCA Swim Lesson curriculum and ensuring an engaging experience that promotes skill development, water safety, and confidence in the water

OUR CULTURE:

At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. Our goal is to be a place where employees are empowered and excited to come to work. All staff ensure that members experience customer centric, individual attention each and every day. We strive to be the preferred partner to collaborate with others, identifying and meeting our community needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

  • Teach group swim lessons following YMCA Swim Lesson program structure, skill progressions, and safety standards. 
  • Always supervise participants, maintaining a vigilant and proactive approach to safety. 
  • Provide clear instruction, demonstrations, and positive feedback to support swimmer progress. 
  • Communicate effectively with participants and caregivers regarding class expectations, skill achievements, and areas for improvement. 
  • Complete lesson plans, attendance sheets, and progress reports accurately and on time. 
  • Maintain a clean and organized teaching space; assist with equipment setup and storage. 
  • Respond appropriately to emergency situations and follow all YMCA risk-management procedures. 
  • Build strong relationships with members, offering an exceptional customer service experience. 
  • Follow all YMCA policies, Code of Conduct, and Aquatic safety procedures. 
  • Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and certifications. 
  • Support and promote the YMCA mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  • Cooperate and interact with all members, staff, program participants, and volunteers in a professional, courteous, and friendly manner. 
  • Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. 
  • Adhere to policies related to boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants. 
  • Attend required Abuse Risk Management training and adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants. 
  • Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations and follow mandated abuse reporting procedures. 
  • Perform other job-related duties as may be assigned periodically by the supervisor.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: 

  • Emotional Maturity
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking and Decision Making

 QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Current YMCA Swim Instructor certification or equivalent (Red Cross WSI or similar).
  • Demonstrated swimming proficiency and knowledge of stroke techniques and safety skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to engage positively with participants, parents, and staff.
  • Must exhibit professionalism, reliability, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Ability to remain in and around the pool for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to perform rescues and assist participants in distress.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physical movements required in aquatic instruction.
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond quickly to safety situations.

COMPANY BENEFITS:

  • YMCA Membership: Enjoy access to our YMCA facilities at no cost.
  • 25% Discount on various YMCA Programs
  • Employee Referral Bonus: Earn rewards for referring to qualified candidates.
  • Employee Discounts: Access exclusive discounts on various products and services.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Eligibility after 90 days of employment.

HOURLY PAY RATE: $18.13-$21.00

WORK SCHEDULE: 

Morning shifts: 9:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening shifts: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM