ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Water Safety Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Plymouth, MN

Water Safety Instructor

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$19.26 - $22.41/hr

Water Safety Instructor While promoting swimmer safety, educate participants on proper swim skills and techniques. Instruct swimming lessons in accordance with department guidelines; maintain a ...

City of Waukesha

Water Safety Instructor

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Water Safety Instructors Water Safety Instructors are directly responsible for the safety of participants enrolled in lessons and helps students learn to swim or improve their swimming skills with ...

City of Plymouth, MN

Water Safety Instructor

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Water Safety Instructor The water safety instructor will create engaging, safe and inclusive swim lessons in a fun, supportive environment where participants can build confidence, develop essential ...

New

GovernmentJobs.com

Water Safety Instructor

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Water Safety Instructor The water safety instructor will create engaging, safe and inclusive swim lessons in a fun, supportive environment where participants can build confidence, develop essential ...

New

Alper JCC Miami

Water Safety Instructor

Miami, FL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Water Safety Instructor Alper JCC Miami is seeking a dedicated and qualified Water Safety Instructor to join our team. The primary responsibilities include creating a positive learning environment ...

University of Idaho

Water Safety Instructor

Moscow, ID · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) is expected to prevent accidents through proper use of equipment, awareness and responsibility. WSIs can plan on working during operational hours through the ...

JCC Association

Water Safety Instructor

Vestal, NY · On-site

$15/hr

Are you passionate about water safety and committed to helping others learn to swim? The Binghamton JCC is seeking a motivated Water Safety Instructor (WSI) with all levels of experience and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSports and Recreation JobsSports JobsSports Specialist JobsWater Safety Instructor Jobs

Water Safety Instructor information

See salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do water safety instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for water safety instructor in the United States is $17.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water safety instructor?

A water safety instructor teaches the Red Cross water safety course, which is a necessary certification for those seeking a career in swim instruction or a similar job. Your main duties are to teach your students the fundamentals of water safety and swimming, provide them with training that will help them maintain safe conditions in their work, and assess your students’ progress. There are several different courses you may teach, including Basic Swim Instructor and Water Safety Instructor courses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water safety instructor?

To thrive as a Water Safety Instructor, you need strong swimming proficiency, knowledge of water safety protocols, and current certification such as the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor credential. Familiarity with pool safety equipment, lesson planning tools, and first aid/CPR systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach diverse groups and respond to student needs. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring a safe learning environment and helping individuals build essential water safety competencies.

What are some common challenges faced by water safety instructors, and how can they be effectively managed?

Water Safety Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse skill levels within one class, maintaining student engagement, and ensuring safety in dynamic aquatic environments. To address these, instructors typically use differentiated teaching strategies, clear communication, and proactive supervision to keep all participants safe and motivated. Building rapport with students and collaborating with other aquatic staff also helps create a positive learning atmosphere and fosters teamwork. Regular professional development and staying updated on the latest safety protocols can further support success in this role.

What is the difference between Water Safety Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectWater Safety InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsWater Safety Instructor certification, CPR, First AidLifeguard certification, CPR, First Aid
Primary RoleTeach swimming and water safety skillsMonitor pool safety and respond to emergencies
Work EnvironmentSwimming pools, aquatic centers, swim schoolsSwimming pools, beaches, water parks
Employer & IndustryRecreational facilities, swim schools, community centersPublic pools, private clubs, water parks

While both Water Safety Instructors and Lifeguards work in aquatic environments and hold CPR and First Aid certifications, Water Safety Instructors focus on teaching swimming and water safety skills, whereas Lifeguards primarily monitor safety and respond to emergencies. They often work together to ensure a safe and educational water experience.

How long is a water safety instructor certification good for?

A water safety instructor certification is typically valid for two to three years, after which recertification or renewal is required to maintain certification status. Continuing education and skill assessments are often part of the renewal process to ensure instructors stay current with safety standards and techniques.

What does a water safety instructor do?

A water safety instructor teaches swimming and water safety skills to individuals of all ages, often in pools or open water environments. They monitor participants, enforce safety rules, and may hold certifications such as CPR and first aid to ensure a safe learning environment.
More about Water Safety Instructor jobs

What cities are hiring for Water Safety Instructor jobs?

Cities with the most Water Safety Instructor job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Safety Instructor jobs?

The most popular types of Water Safety Instructor jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Water Safety Instructor jobs?

The top employers for Water Safety Instructor jobs are:

What states have the most Water Safety Instructor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Safety Instructor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Water Safety Instructor jobs?

For Water Safety Instructor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Water Safety Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Safety Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,719 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Water Safety Instructor

Southwest Allen County Schools

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$18/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Water Safety Instructor

Terms of employment flexible schedule between the hours of 9am and 2pm based on your availability. $18 per hour and dependent upon experience. Training is available through the American Red Cross.

Purpose: The primary responsibility of the water safety instructor is to teach water safety skills in a logical progression for aquatic skill development. The instructor must also provide adequate supervision of the teaching area to ensure safety of all students.

Qualifications: Knowledge of facility procedures, rules, regulations, swimming and water rescue, water safety and rescue equipment usage preferred. Water Safety Instructor certification is required. Must maintain current certifications during the course of employment and the ability to perform the skills required to pass the certifications. American Red Cross Lifeguard and CPR preferred. Must be able to communicate effectively with students, staff and the general public, thus good oral and interpersonal communication skills are required. Ability to work with individuals of all ages. Requires an understanding of cognitive learning and motor development principles with the ability to provide information in a meaningful instructional manner.

Apply