Swim Instructor – Meaningful Work with a Drowning Prevention Nonprofit
Benefits:
401(k)
Company parties
Free food & snacks
Opportunity for advancement
Training & development
Job Description
The Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation / Big Kahuna Swim Academy is looking for a dependable, service-minded Swim Instructor who wants more than just a job — we are looking for someone who wants to be part of a mission.
We are a small but highly driven nonprofit organization focused on saving children’s lives through water safety education and survival swim lessons. Our instructors do not just teach swimming — they teach skills that can prevent drowning, give families peace of mind, and save children's lives.
This position is ideal for someone who:
Loves working with children
Wants meaningful work
Wants to grow with a small organization long-term
Is reliable and takes responsibility seriously
Believes in serving the community
Wants to be part of something bigger than themselves
This is a year-round position, not seasonal.
About Us
The Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation operates Big Kahuna Swim Academy, a year-round swim program specializing in:
Water safety & drowning prevention
Infant & child survival skills
Special needs swim lessons
Private and small-group instruction
Stroke technique training
High-accountability, high-support teaching environment
We are known for high standards, a strong team culture, and instructors who truly care about their students, their coworkers, and the organization's mission.
Our work serves families throughout the community, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Position Overview
We are looking for a Swim Instructor who can teach private and small group lessons while maintaining a high level of safety, professionalism, and consistency.
Our instructors work with infants, toddlers, children, teens, and special needs students.
This role may also include opportunities to help with:
Water safety outreach events
Nonprofit programs
Special events
Volunteer initiatives
Instructor development
Future leadership roles
We prefer candidates who are interested in growing with the Foundation long-term and who want to contribute both as an employee and as a volunteer.
Required Experience
Previous swim instructor experience
BLS certification
Comfortable working with young children
Strong communication skills
Ability to take coaching and feedback
Reliable transportation
Available for a consistent weekly schedule
Preferred but not required:
Experience with infants or toddlers
Experience with special needs students
Experience teaching private lessons
Lifeguard certification
What We Look For (Very Important)
We are not just hiring for skill — we are hiring for character.
Our best instructors are:
Reliable (show up when scheduled, every day - all year long)
Coachable (open to feedback, willing to learn)
Service-oriented (put students first)
Emotionally mature
Hard-working
Positive with kids and parents
Looking for long-term growth, not just a temporary job
Our organization exists to serve children and families, and that requires a team that values service to the community above personal convenience.
The instructors who succeed here are those who take pride in showing up, being dependable, and doing what needs to be done — even when it is not the easiest option.
We are looking for someone who wants to be part of a mission, not just collect a paycheck.
Working at the Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation means understanding that the work we do impacts families, children, and our community every day. Because of that, we look for team members who:
Take pride in helping others
Care deeply about the safety and well-being of children
Are willing to put the needs of the students, the program, and the team ahead of personal convenience when necessary
Want to contribute to the growth of a nonprofit that exists to serve the community
Want to build something long-term, not just work short-term
This position requires consistency. It is not a good fit for someone who frequently calls out, changes availability often, or struggles with reliability.
Because our students depend on routine, trust, and consistency, we need instructors who take their schedule and responsibilities seriously.
If you are looking for a job where your preferences always come first, this will not be the right fit. If you are looking for meaningful work where you can make a real difference and grow with a mission-driven organization, you may thrive here.
Schedule
Part-time Morning/Afternoon/Evenings, Saturdays required Year-round position Consistent availability required
This is not a seasonal or temporary role.
Pay
$19 – $22 per hour depending on experience Opportunities for raises based on performance Opportunities for additional hours Opportunities for leadership roles over time
Volunteer opportunities are also available for instructors who want to be involved in the nonprofit side of our mission.
Why Work Here
Meaningful work that helps save lives
Positive, team-oriented environment
Small organization where you matter
High standards with strong support
Year-round work
Opportunity to grow into leadership
Opportunity to be part of a nonprofit mission
Responsibilities:
Teach swim lessons tailored to water safety for children of various ages and skill levels.
Develop engaging lesson plans tailored to individual student needs and progress.
Monitor and assess students' performance, providing constructive feedback.
Ensure a safe and positive environment by enforcing pool rules and safety protocols.
Communicate effectively with parents regarding their child's progress and any concerns.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the pool area and equipment.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
Promote the foundation’s mission and initiatives during lessons and community events.
Requirements:
Current BLS Certification (CPR/First Aid/AED Certification) required.
Previous experience as a swim instructor or lifeguard preferred.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with children and parents.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Passion for teaching and a commitment to child safety.
Ability to demonstrate swimming techniques clearly and effectively.
Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
Background check clearance required prior to employment.
About Us:
The Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation and its swim program, Big Kahuna Swim Academy, has been dedicated to saving lives through swim education for over 10 years. Our passionate team is committed to making a difference in the community by teaching essential water safety skills. Employees love working here because of our supportive environment and the opportunity to impact children's lives positively.
Member schools are independently owned and operated. Your application will go directly to the member school, and all hiring decisions will be made by the management of this school. All inquiries about employment at these schools should be made directly to the school location, and not to US Swim School Association.