Swim Lesson Instructor I

Under general supervision, position is responsible for teaching swimming lessons according to class level to program participants.  Employee is responsible for the safety of class participants, planning, implementing, and delivering effective and qualitative programs for customers of all ages and abilities; must successfully demonstrate service, integrity, and pride while working with the general public.  Reports to the Swim Lesson Coordinator / Special Events & Leisure Programmer.  

May – Aug. Swim Lesson schedule will vary between Mon – Fri. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. / 6 – 8 p.m.  

• Supports the mission, vision, and goals of Spotsylvania County Parks & Recreation Dept. 
• Instructs swimming lessons according to guidelines set forth by Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation Department.
• Provides instruction for the time allotted for each class. Assures the safety of all participants at all times.
• Knows/reviews all emergency procedures and responds to emergency situations immediately in accordance with the Parks & Recreation Pool Operating Procedures Manual.
• Prepares/utilizes class lesson plans for assigned classes.
• Instructs classes for a variety of age groups and swimming level competencies.
• Provides appropriate and professional feedback to students/parents on progress.
• Maintains class area and equipment, cleaning up after class.
• Completes administrative tasks including attendance, completing certificates, and reviewing course evaluations.
• Provides outstanding customer service to all customers and participants.
• Maintains required certifications.
• Attends mandatory staff meetings and in-service training.
• Wears proper uniform, County issued, and represents Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation Department in a professional manner.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Must be 16 years or age or older.

American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification (WSI) preferred. Experience in teaching swim lessons or coaching swim team preferred. Must complete in-house swim lesson instructor training upon hire.

Certifications in American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or Community CPR/First Aid/AED required.

Must successfully complete mandatory Parks & Recreation Training Program before specific job duties are assigned. 

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and drug screen. 

Any combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities for successful performance that would prove extensive knowledge and /or training in swimming strokes, techniques in teaching the strokes; demonstrates the ability to teach others.   Certification in American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor is preferred.  Swim Team experience or the ability to demonstrate skill is required.   Must be able to perform all skills taught in lessons for levels in which skills are taught.  Must work a minimum of 20 hours a week, 3 of the 4 sessions as scheduled. If they are a certified Lifeguard, then they should apply for the Swim Lesson Instructor II position. 

• Extensive and thorough knowledge of swimming strokes; ability to teach swimming skills to youth and adults. 
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.  
• Ability to prepare a variety of reports and records; ability to follow instructions. 
• Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing.  
• Ability to exercise tact, courtesy, and firmness in contact with County officials, administration, and the general public.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully.

Must be physically able to run, bend, and walk to meet the needs of the position. Tasks require the ability to exert medium to heavy physical effort which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 25 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to work outdoors in an aquatics environment. Instructors are required to teach the majority of their lessons from in the water. 

Must be able to remain alert. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods. Must be able to withstand outdoor temperatures. Ability to recognize visual and verbal distress signs/actions from potential drowning victims within 10 seconds. Ability to respond to the victim in water within 10 seconds.  Ability to respond to an emergency situation including but not limited to a water emergency, respiratory or cardiac emergency, minor/major first aid, and missing person. Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals. Ability to continuously scan all areas of the pool with clear vision. Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks necessary for a water rescue. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately. Requires the ability to handle a variety of items. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving the nature of sounds by ear).

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is understood that the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties if requested by the supervisor.

Salary : $17 - $21