Water Wise Inclusion Swim Instructor - YMCA of the North Shore

What if learning to swim could be about so much more than swimming?

For a child with autism or another disability, gaining confidence in the water can be a life-changing experience. Waterwise is a specialized YMCA program designed to help children ages 4-12, particularly children with autism and diverse abilities, develop essential swimming skills in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment.

We're looking for patient, enthusiastic, and compassionate instructors who want to make a real difference. You don't have to be an experienced adaptive swim instructor-we'll provide specialized training and support to help you succeed.

If you're a strong swimmer, love working with children, and want to be part of a program where small victories can mean a lot, Waterwise could be the perfect opportunity for you!

• Haverhill YMCA
• Marblehead YMCA
• Ipswich YMCA
• Cape Ann YMCA

Teach & Adapt

• Provide engaging swim instruction to children with diverse abilities and varying levels of swimming experience.
• Teach essential swimming and water safety skills using provided lesson plans and program guidelines.
• Adapt instruction, activities, communication, and teaching techniques to meet each participant's individual needs.
• Use positive behavior guidance and adaptive equipment as appropriate.

Build Confidence & Celebrate Progress

• Create a patient, welcoming environment where participants feel safe, supported, and encouraged to try new skills.
• Evaluate participant abilities and provide age-appropriate feedback.
• Use progressive skill-building activities to help swimmers develop their skills and independence.
• Celebrate milestones and progress-whether it's learning a new skill, becoming more comfortable in the water, or gaining confidence.

Get to Know Each Participant

• Communicate participant goals and strategies with other YMCA staff to support consistency and success.

Keep Participants Safe

• Maintain a safe and supportive pool environment while following YMCA policies, procedures, and emergency protocols.

Build Meaningful Relationships

• Develop positive relationships with children, families, and fellow staff.

You may be a great fit for Waterwise if you:

• Have experience with swim instruction or are a strong, confident swimmer.
• Have a genuine passion for working with children.
• Are interested in working with children with autism and other diverse abilities.
• Bring patience, empathy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude to your work.
• Are comfortable adapting your approach to meet individual participant needs.
• Are dependable, safety-minded, and able to work as part of a team.
• Have experience working with individuals with disabilities or in adaptive programming preferred, but not required.

Not an adaptive swim instructor yet? That's okay! Specialized training is provided to help you learn how to effectively support children with diverse abilities.

• Make a Difference: Help children develop essential water safety skills, confidence, and independence.
• Flexible Hours: Scheduling options designed to work with your availability.
• Training Provided: Receive specialized training and support in adaptive instruction.
• Competitive Pay: Be compensated for the skills, energy, and commitment you bring to the program.
• Meaningful Work: Be part of a program that helps make swimming more accessible and inclusive.
• YMCA Community: Join a mission-driven team committed to helping individuals of all abilities thrive.

When you join the Y, you're joining more than a workplace-you're joining a community that believes everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong.

• FREE YMCA membership
• Employee discounts on programs
• Paid training and professional development
• Opportunities for career growth across our seven YMCA locations
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment

You don't need to have every answer or years of adaptive swim experience. You just need to bring patience, compassion, a willingness to learn, and a desire to help kids succeed.

Join the Waterwise team and help children discover that the water can be a place where they feel safe, confident, capable, and proud.

Apply today and make a difference-one swim lesson at a time!

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  18+ years of age

  
  
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  CPR & Standard First Aid certified (must maintain current certifications)

  
  
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  Experience with children/youth with diverse abilities preferred

  
  
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  Skilled at adapting instruction for varying abilities and developmental levels

  
  
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  Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

  
  

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  Physically able to demonstrate skills as needed

  
  
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  Clear verbal communication and quick response in emergencies

  
  
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  Visual and auditory awareness for safety

  
  
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  Able to lift up to 40 lbs

  
  

The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran's status.