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Swimming Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Life Time

Swim Instructor

Happy Valley, OR · On-site

Position Summary As an Aquatics Swim Instructor, you will work in a fast-paced environment. You ... Instructs swimming lessons and Aquatics events * Responds to member questions, comments, and ...

Gold's Gym

Swim Instructor

Camas, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $22/hr

... Instructors. Dive into this opportunity to help others learn to swim and have a blast doing it ... Love swimming and sharing the joy with others. * Extra points for CPR and First Aid certification.

themac

Swim School - Swim Instructor

Portland, OR

This instructor will enthusiastically orchestrate engaging swim lessons within a safe and enjoyable ... Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks such as demonstrating techniques, swimming laps, and ...

Gold's Gym

Lifeguard / Swim Instructor

Camas, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $22/hr

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor The Lifeguard/Swim Instructor is responsible for providing a safe and ... You will receive training on a regular basis as well as you will be trained how to teach swimming ...

themac

Swim School - Swim Instructor

Portland, OR

This instructor will enthusiastically orchestrate engaging swim lessons within a safe and enjoyable ... Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks such as demonstrating techniques, swimming laps, and ...

Goldfish Swim School

Swim Instructor

Sherwood, OR · On-site

$16.80 - $18/hr

Swim Instructor FLSA Status : Non-Exempt Summary : Not Summer work only - We are looking for ... It's passion Not just a passion for kids or a passion for swimming...it's a special passion for ...

Life Time, Inc.

Aquatics Swim Instructor

Portland, OR · On-site

Position Summary As an Aquatics Swim Instructor, you will work in a fast-paced environment. You ... Instructs swimming lessons and Aquatics events * Responds to member questions, comments, and ...

Life Time

Aquatics Swim Instructor

Beaverton, OR · On-site

Position Summary As an Aquatics Swim Instructor, you will work in a fast-paced environment. You ... Instructs swimming lessons and Aquatics events * Responds to member questions, comments, and ...

The Bay Club Company

Swim Instructor

Tigard, OR · On-site

Requires proficient swimming ability and the proper application of rescue and first-aid techniques ... SWIM INSTRUCTOR TIERS The following is a guideline for the various tier levels. Master Swim ...

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All JobsSwimming Instructor JobsSwimming Instructor Jobs in Portland, OR

Swimming Instructor information

See Portland, OR salary details

$9

$20

$41

How much do swimming instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for swimming instructor in Portland, OR is $20.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $22.12 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 popular job titles related to Swimming Instructor jobs in Portland, OR? For Swimming Instructor jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Swimming Instructor jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Swimming Instructor jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Swimming Instructor jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Swimming Instructor job openings:
Swimming Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Swimming Instructor job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,491 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

SWIM INSTRUCTOR

YMCA of Columbia-Willamette

Sherwood, OR • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Do you have an interest in Aquatics or Youth Development? Want to learn how to teach others how to swim? Are you a swimming enthusiast? Are you 16 or older? Become a Swim Instructor at the YMCA!
Why Should you apply?
  • Free Household Gym Membership
  • Free Group Fitness Classes
  • Free Pool Access
  • Program Discounts
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
  • Opportunities for Growth/Leadership
  • Build your Resume
  • Work with your friends
  • Engage with your community
  • Flexible working hours (part time - up to 30 hrs/week) based on your availability

What would you be doing?
  • Planning and teaching swim lessons using the YMCA Swim Lesson Curriculum
  • Recognizing and correcting strokes and skills using positive feedback
  • Communicating effectively with students and parents in a friendly, patient manner
  • Tracking and logging swim lesson participant skill progression
  • Keeping your skills fresh with Inservice Training
  • Being a positive role model for youths in your community
  • Upholding the YMCA Policies and Standards

Requirements
What do you need to qualify?
  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Have the ability to commit to an entire session (4 weeks) of swim lessons consistently
  • Possess (or obtain within 30 days) a current CPR/AED & First Aid Certification*
  • Have strong understanding of swim stroke techniques
  • Be able to pass a written/physical assessment prior to duty
  • Have visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and physical ability to act swiftly in emergency situations
  • Have ability to observe participant activities adequately, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures

*Current certification not necessary - certification/training is available!
Swim Skills Assessment
25 yards of each of the following
  • Freestyle
  • Backstroke
  • Breaststroke
  • Butterfly (or you best attempt)
  • Side Stroke
  • Elementary Backstroke

Apply