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Swimming Instructor Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Swim Instructor

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

The Downtown YMCA is seeking part time swim instructors to lead swim lessons for program ... swimming skills, basic water safety, and the YMCA core values.QUALIFICATIONS of a Swim ...

... swimming techniques, skills and water safety. The Swim Instructor is committed to the safety of members of all ages and abilities and to providing a fun and positive learning experience. They provide ...

... swimming techniques, skills and water safety. The Swim Instructor is committed to the safety of members of all ages and abilities and to providing a fun and positive learning experience. They provide ...

Swim Instructor

Powhatan, VA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

... teaching swimming skills, basic water safety, and the YMCA core values.QUALIFICATIONS for Swim InstructorsSwim instructors must have current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications. Current YMCA ...

Swim Instructor

Henrico, VA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

... teaching swimming skills, basic water safety, and the YMCA core values.QUALIFICATIONS for Swim InstructorsSwim instructors must have current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications. Current YMCA ...

Swim Instructor

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

... teaching swimming skills, basic water safety, and the YMCA core values.QUALIFICATIONS for Swim InstructorsSwim instructors must have current CPR, AED and First Aid certifications. Current YMCA ...

Swim Instructor

Ashland, VA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

The Patrick Henry Family YMCA is seeking part time swim instructors to lead swim lessons for ... swimming skills, basic water safety, and the YMCA core values.QUALIFICATIONS for Swim ...

Swim Instructor

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

The Frank J. Thornton YMCA Aquatic Center is seeking part time swim instructors to lead swim ... swimming skills, basic water safety, and the YMCA core values.QUALIFICATIONS of Swim ...

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Swimming Instructor information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$19

$39

How much do swimming instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for swimming instructor in Virginia is $19.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.52 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Swimming Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectSwimming InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Swimming Instructor CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentSwimming pools, aquatic centers, swim schoolsPools, beaches, water parks, aquatic facilities
Primary RoleTeaching swimming skills and water safetyMonitoring water areas, ensuring safety, rescuing
Employer & IndustrySwim schools, recreation centers, gymsPublic pools, private clubs, beaches

While both Swimming Instructors and Lifeguards work in aquatic environments and require CPR and First Aid certifications, their roles differ. Swimming Instructors focus on teaching swimming techniques and water safety, whereas Lifeguards primarily monitor water areas to prevent accidents and perform rescues. Both roles are essential for water safety but serve distinct functions within aquatic settings.

What does a swimming instructor do?

A swimming instructor is responsible for teaching individuals or groups how to swim, improve their swimming techniques, and ensure water safety. They work with people of all ages and skill levels, from beginners learning basic water skills to advanced swimmers refining their strokes. Instructors also create lesson plans, monitor progress, and often provide water safety education to prevent accidents. Their role may include demonstrating techniques, offering feedback, and sometimes assisting in lifeguarding duties during lessons.

What are some common challenges swimming instructors face when working with beginners, and how can they be managed?

Swimming instructors often encounter beginners who are anxious or fearful of the water, which can make initial lessons challenging. To manage this, instructors use patience, positive reinforcement, and gradual skill-building techniques to help students build confidence. Clear communication and adapting teaching methods to individual needs are crucial for creating a supportive learning environment. Additionally, instructors work closely with parents or guardians to set realistic expectations and encourage consistent practice outside of lessons.

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

To thrive as a Swimming Instructor, you need strong swimming proficiency, knowledge of water safety, and usually certifications such as CPR, first aid, and swim instruction credentials (e.g., Red Cross Water Safety Instructor). Familiarity with pool safety equipment and lesson-planning tools is important for effective instruction and emergency preparedness. Patience, clear communication, and motivational skills help instructors connect with students of all ages and abilities. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, engaging, and successful learning experiences for participants.
What are the most commonly searched types of Swimming Instructor jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Swimming Instructor jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Swimming Instructor jobs in Virginia? For Swimming Instructor jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Swimming Instructor jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Swimming Instructor jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Swimming Instructor jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Swimming Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Swimming Instructor jobs in VA? For Swimming Instructor jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Swimming Instructor job openings in Virginia 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 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,871 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Swim Instructor (Non-Certified)

Blacksburg, Town of (VA)

Blacksburg, VA

$15.49/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

General Definition of Work The Swimming Instructor performs semiskilled work teaching water safety and swimming basics while maintaining the highest levels of safety during the lesson times and providing the students with the best lesson experience possible. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Head Swim Instructor, Assistant Aquatic Supervisor, and the Aquatic Supervisor. Shifts May Include: Monday and Wednesday evenings, Saturday mornings, and weekday afternoons The set starting rate of pay for this position is $15.49 hourly

The Town of Blacksburg is an EEO Employer M/F/D/V Essential Functions To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Instructs swim lessons as assigned, following the progressive teaching procedures of the Blacksburg Aquatic Center, which are based on the guidelines of the American Red Cross Learn-To-Swim Program Communicates the importance of safety and enjoyment around an aquatic environment Sets up pools before lessons Cleans up and properly stores all lesson equipment at the conclusion of each day's lessons Communicates with students and parents in the program Maintains the highest levels of safety at all times before, after, and during lessons Assures that all students have proper supervision while in the water and on the deck at all times Teaches all lessons from the water using a combination of discussion, demonstration, practice, and feedback Insures the timely distribution of middle and end of session evaluations for all students Reports any damaged or broken equipment to the Head Swim Instructor or Supervisors immediately Communicates any conflicts or challenges with the Learn to Swim Supervisors and works as a team with the other instructors and supervisors to resolve these conflicts on a timely basis Supports the supervisors with the swim lesson evaluation program, including timely distribution of evaluations to all students (camp and registered participants) Maintains availability for full duration of all scheduled sessions to maintain consistency of the lesson program Teaches private lessons as assigned Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to positively interact and communicate with the general public, parents, camp staff, lifeguards and other aquatic staff Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with associates and operates effectively in a team environment Requires knowledge of and demonstrated skills in the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program Education and Experience High School Diploma or GED is required Must be at least 18 years of age Previous aquatic experience is required Special Requirements First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer required upon hire Water Safety Instructor Certification is required upon hire Physical Requirements This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force Work regularly requires walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, pulling, lifting and standing for extended periods of time Using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions; and occasionally requires sitting, climbing or balancing Work has standard vision requirements Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, to receive detailed information through oral communications and to make fine distinctions in sound Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data Work will be at an indoor aquatic facility and may include exposure to all types of conditions including chlorine or other pool chemicals, heat, blood or other body fluids