Job Title: Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
Department: Aquatics
Reports To: Aquatics Director / Pool Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) provides high-quality swim instruction to members and guests of all ages in a safe, inclusive, and community-centered environment. As part of a JCC, this role supports the mission of building community, promoting wellness, and ensuring the highest standards of water safety while adhering to all applicable Florida regulations and risk management practices.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
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Plan and deliver swim lessons in accordance with American Red Cross or equivalent nationally recognized standards
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Teach water safety, stroke development, and aquatic skills for all levels, including parent-child, youth, and adult programs
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Create a welcoming, inclusive environment aligned with JCC values (respect, community, and engagement)
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Conduct participant skill assessments and provide ongoing progress feedback to families
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Maintain accurate attendance, skill tracking, and incident documentation in accordance with agency procedures
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Enforce all pool rules and safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries
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Actively monitor participants during instruction to ensure constant supervision and safety
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Respond appropriately to emergencies, including water rescues, and provide CPR/AED/First Aid as needed
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Communicate professionally with parents, members, and staff, addressing concerns promptly
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Support aquatics events, camps, and community programming as needed
Florida Compliance & Risk Management Responsibilities
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Adhere to all applicable Florida Department of Health public pool regulations (Chapter 64E-9, Florida Administrative Code)
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Maintain active certifications: WSI, CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers, and First Aid (no lapses permitted)
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Follow established Emergency Action Plans (EAP) and participate in regular in-service trainings and drills
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Ensure proper instructor-to-student ratios are maintained at all times
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Complete and submit incident and accident reports promptly and accurately
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Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, or maintenance needs immediately
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Comply with all child safety policies, including abuse prevention, mandated reporting, and supervision standards
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Follow JCC risk management policies, including participant check-in/out procedures and facility security protocols
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Maintain confidentiality of member and participant information in accordance with agency policy
Qualifications
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Current Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification required
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Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications required
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Prior swim instruction experience preferred
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Knowledge of Florida pool safety regulations strongly preferred
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Experience working with children, families, and diverse populations
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Strong communication, customer service, and conflict resolution skills
Physical Requirements
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Ability to demonstrate all swim strokes and water safety skills
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Ability to remain alert and actively engaged for extended periods
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Ability to lift and assist participants (up to 30 lbs)
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Ability to work in outdoor and indoor pool environments, including heat and humidity
Work Schedule
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Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays
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Seasonal and year-round opportunities available
Preferred Qualifications
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Lifeguard certification (highly preferred or required depending on facility)
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Experience with adaptive aquatics or special needs programming
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Bilingual (Spanish/English or other languages common in South Florida)
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN A JCC?
Jewish Community Centers are multi-service community agencies that provide a wide array of programs, courses, and activities for people of all ages. In addition to stimulating and rewarding work, you will enjoy a friendly family-like atmosphere that values your mental and physical well-being. JCC employees can take part in all the programs available. Competitive salaries and generous holiday, vacation, and healthcare plans underscore your importance to the JCC. In a recent survey of JCC employee satisfaction, more than 90 percent of professionals reported enjoying their jobs!
BENEFITS
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Health Benefits
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Competitive Pay
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Life, AD&D, Short Term Disability
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PTO: Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
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Voluntary Benefits: Pet Discount Program, Financial Wellness, Identity Theft Protection, Accident and Critical Illness
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Staff Discount on our Programs (FT and PT employees!)
COMMITTMENT TO INCLUSION
Our mission at the Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches is to build community and enhance connection to Jewish life. We embrace employees, members and guests of any race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or any other characteristic protected by Federal and State law. A non-discrimination clause concerning employment opportunity is incorporated in the Personnel Manual. The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
