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Water Survival Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Armada Ltd

Weapons Based Instructor I

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

... Water Survival Instructors Manual). * Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): All instructor personnel shall possess the instructional qualifications contained within this ...

Armada Ltd

Weapons Based Instructor I

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

... Water Survival Instructors Manual).Other duties as assigned.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):All instructor personnel shall possess the instructional qualifications contained within this ...

British Swim School

Evening Swim Instructor

Delafield, WI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

... water survival skills-and we're looking for enthusiastic people to join our incredible team! Now ... Evening Swim Instructors Delafield Evening shifts: Approximately 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM What You'll Love ...

US Department of War

$14 - $16.75/hr

Job Title Water Safety Instructor Duties Acts as water safety instructor. Manages all swimming ... Introduces and instructs safety and survival skills to students, when appropriate to level of ...

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Water Survival Instructor information

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How much do water survival instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for water survival instructor in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water survival instructor?

A Water Survival Instructor is a professional who teaches individuals how to survive in water-based emergencies. They provide training in skills such as swimming, floating, treading water, and using life-saving equipment. These instructors often work with military personnel, rescue teams, or civilians to ensure preparedness for situations like accidental immersion or watercraft accidents. Their training helps build confidence and competence, increasing the chances of survival in aquatic environments.

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

To thrive as a Water Survival Instructor, you need strong swimming proficiency, lifesaving skills, and formal certifications such as lifeguard or water safety instructor credentials. Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid/CPR certification, and training systems like Red Cross or YMCA programs is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership abilities help instructors effectively teach and reassure participants in high-stress situations. These skills are crucial to ensure participant safety, build confidence, and deliver effective water survival training.

What are some common challenges water survival instructors face when training diverse groups of students?

Water Survival Instructors often work with students who have varying levels of swimming ability and confidence in the water. One common challenge is adapting teaching techniques to accommodate nervous or inexperienced participants while still maintaining safety and progress for the group. Instructors must also manage the physical and emotional demands of repeated demonstrations and constant vigilance in the water. Effective communication and patience are key, as is collaborating closely with other instructors to ensure all students receive appropriate attention and support.

What is the difference between Water Survival Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectWater Survival InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsWater rescue, CPR, first aid, lifeguard certificationLifeguard certification, CPR, first aid
Work EnvironmentTraining pools, aquatic centers, military or rescue settingsPublic pools, beaches, water parks
Employer & IndustryMilitary, rescue agencies, training facilitiesPublic and private pools, beaches, water parks

Water Survival Instructors focus on teaching advanced water safety, rescue techniques, and survival skills, often in training environments. Lifeguards primarily monitor swimmers, enforce safety rules, and perform rescues in public aquatic settings. While both roles require water safety certifications, Water Survival Instructors typically have more specialized training aimed at rescue and survival instruction, whereas Lifeguards focus on prevention and immediate rescue in public venues.

More about Water Survival Instructor jobs

What states have the most Water Survival Instructor jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Water Survival Instructor jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Survival Instructor jobs are:

Water Survival Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Survival Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,749 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Basic Security Fundamental Support Instructor II (Swim Tester / Lifeguard)

Armada

Nash, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Basic Security Fundamental Support Instructor II (Swim Tester / Lifeguard)

Location: NTTC Lackland/ San Antonio, Texas

Reports To: ARMADA HQ

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • The Basic Security Fundamental Support Instructor II (Swim Tester / Lifeguard) administers Navy Second Class Swimmer testing for designated Master‑at‑Arms students in accordance with NETC P1552/16 swim testing standards.
  • The Basic Security Fundamental Support Instructor II (Swim Tester / Lifeguard) conducts all poolside safety checks, verify facility readiness, ensure required safety equipment is present, and confirm communication capabilities.
  • Perform lifeguard duties during all swim testing events and evaluate students in accordance with Navy Swimming and Water Survival Instructor Manual guidelines.
  • Complete the Record of Swim Qualification and ensure accurate documentation of all results.
  • Coordinate with NTTC Lackland administrative staff to record successful or unsuccessful test completions in FLTMPS and in student service records.
  • Assist with scheduling pool access and work directly with NTTC and Joint Base San Antonio swimming facility personnel.
  • Deliver CPR instruction and support other non‑weapons training modules within MA "A" School after obtaining CUIT qualifications.
  • Ensure compliance with medical pre‑screening requirements, swimmer safety policies, and high‑risk training precautions.
  • The Basic Security Fundamental Support Instructor II (Swim Tester / Lifeguard) maintains all required certifications and ensures documentation is properly filed in the Instructor Training Jacket (ITJ).
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

  • Knowledge of Navy swim testing procedures, water survival standards, and CPR instruction requirements.
  • Ability to perform lifeguard duties, administer swim qualifications, and evaluate student safety and performance.
  • Strong understanding of aquatic safety practices, rescue procedures, and emergency response techniques.
  • Ability to coordinate with medical, administrative, and facility personnel to ensure compliance with screening, documentation, and reporting processes.
  • Strong communication skills for delivering CPR instruction and supporting training modules.
  • Ability to maintain physical readiness to perform water‑based rescue, testing, and instructional tasks.

Minimum/General Experience:

  • Possess current certification as a lifeguard. Lifeguard certification requires one of the following:
    • American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
    • YMCA Lifeguard Training
    • Ellis and Associates Water Park Training
    • Possession of one of the following military qualifications:
      • Navy NEC 801A (Navy Rescue Swimmer – Surface)
      • Navy NEC O26A (Special Warfare Operator (SEAL))
      • Navy NEC 840A (Navy Scuba Diver)
      • Navy NEC O50A (Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB) Candidate)
      • Navy NEC O52A (Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC))
      • Navy NEC G02A (Helicopter Search and Rescue Aircrew Swimmer)
      • Navy NEC 806A (Aviation Water Survival Instructor)
      • Navy NEC 808A (Basic Swimming and Water Survival Instructor)
      • USMC MOS 0918 (Water Safety/Survival Instructor)
  • Possess current certification in Tier 2 Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) (or TCCC Instructor/Trainer certification)
  • Possess current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Possess current certification as a CPR Instructor Certification

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

ARMADA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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