Adaptive Swim Instructor for Children and Adults with Special Needs
About the Role
British Swim School is seeking a compassionate, patient, and energetic Adaptive Swim Instructor to provide swim lessons and water safety instruction to children and adults with special abilities, including individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays, and/or other special needs.
This position is ideal for someone who has experience working with individuals with disabilities and wants to make a meaningful impact by helping students build confidence, independence, and life-saving water safety skills.
As an Adaptive Aquatics Instructor, you will work directly with students in the water using the British Swim School curriculum, modified as needed to meet each student’s unique needs, learning style, comfort level, and abilities. Lessons are designed to be gentle, positive, structured, and progressive, with the goal of helping every student become safer and more confident in and around the water.
No prior swim instruction experience is required. We will provide training in the British Swim School program. Experience working with children or adults with special needs is not required but is preferred.
About Us
British Swim School is a nationally recognized swim school that teaches water safety and swimming skills to students of all ages and abilities. Our mission is to ensure that every person, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to become a safe and happy swimmer.
We are a survival-first swim school and believe that water safety is a critical life skill. Our instructors help students develop confidence, trust, independence, and essential drowning prevention skills in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment.
Compensation and Benefits
Pay is based on experience, qualifications, and certifications.
Compensation and benefits may include:
- Competitive hourly pay, ranging from $20-30/hour based on experience and qualifications
- Paid training in the British Swim School curriculum
- Additional pay consideration for lifeguard certification, ABA therapy, Behavior Technician, Registered Behavior Technician, or related experience
- Flexible part-time schedule
- Evening and weekend shifts available
- Opportunity for growth and advancement within the organization
- Meaningful work helping children and adults with special abilities gain confidence and life-saving water safety skills
Key Responsibilities
The Adaptive Swim Instructor will be responsible for providing safe, effective, and supportive swim instruction to students with a wide range of abilities and needs.
Responsibilities include:
- Teach swim lessons in accordance with British Swim School training, curriculum, and safety standards.
- Provide adaptive swim instruction to children and adults with special abilities, including students with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays, sensory sensitivities, and physical or cognitive disabilities.
- Modify teaching methods, communication style, pacing, and lesson activities based on each student’s individual needs.
- Support students in building water comfort, safety awareness, confidence, and swimming skills.
- Use positive reinforcement, patience, and clear communication to encourage student progress.
- Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment in and around the pool.
- Communicate professionally and compassionately with parents, guardians, caregivers, and team members.
- Assist students with transitions into and out of the pool environment when appropriate.
- Follow all safety procedures, emergency protocols, and supervision standards.
- Work closely with the Aquatics Manager, Assistant Manager, and/or Business Owner to support student success.
- Attend required training, meetings, and ongoing development sessions.
- Maintain required certifications throughout employment.
- Be in the water for the duration of assigned shifts.
- Work a flexible schedule that may include weekday afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is someone who is compassionate, dependable, patient, and enthusiastic about working with individuals with special abilities.
A successful Adaptive Aquatics Instructor will be:
- Comfortable working with children and adults with disabilities or special needs
- Patient and calm when supporting students who may be anxious, fearful, overstimulated, or resistant
- Able to adjust teaching methods based on the student’s behavior, communication style, and learning needs
- Positive, encouraging, and relationship-focused
- Comfortable working in the water for extended periods
- Reliable, punctual, and professional
- Safety-minded and attentive
- Willing to learn the British Swim School curriculum and teaching methods
- Able to communicate clearly with students, parents, guardians, and supervisors
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience working with children or adults with special needs, disabilities, or developmental differences
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Comfortable in and around the water
- Enthusiastic, patient, and compassionate personality
- Ability to follow training, safety standards, and instructional procedures
- Ability to work in a pool environment with moderate to high noise levels
- Ability to be in the water for the duration of the shift
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and/or weekends
- Must complete all required British Swim School training and testing
- Must maintain required certifications throughout employment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience as an ABA Therapist, Behavior Technician, Registered Behavior Technician, paraprofessional, swim instructor, coach, teacher, or therapist assistant
- Experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum
- Experience supporting students with behavioral, sensory, communication, or mobility challenges
- Lifeguard certification
- Strong swimming skills
- Bilingual skills are a plus
Work Environment
This position requires working in and around an indoor pool environment. Instructors should expect to be in the water during their shift and work in an environment where noise levels may be moderate to high.
The role may involve supporting students who are anxious, nonverbal, sensory-sensitive, physically limited, or behaviorally challenged. Instructors must be able to remain calm, professional, and safety-focused while providing patient and encouraging instruction.
Why Join British Swim School?
At British Swim School, we are more than a swim lesson provider. We are a water safety organization focused on preventing drowning and helping every student become safer and more confident in the water.
As an Adaptive Swim Instructor, you will have the opportunity to make a direct and meaningful difference in the lives of children, adults, and families in your community. You will help students overcome fear, build confidence, develop independence, and learn life-saving skills that can last a lifetime.
Equal Opportunity Statement
British Swim School is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value individuals who are passionate about helping students of all ages and abilities become safe and happy swimmers.
Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- On-the-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
Application Question(s):
- Do you have prior experience working with children and/or adults with special needs? Please explain.
- Are you able to reliably work afternoons/evenings from 230pm to 730pm and weekends from 830am to 3pm? Please explain any limitations or conflicts.
- Are you looking for seasonal employment or a long-term, year-round position?
Work Location: In person
