Swim Instructor Meaningful Work with a Drowning Prevention Nonprofit

Job Description

Job DescriptionBenefits:

• 401(k)
• Company parties
• Free food & snacks
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

SWIM INSTRUCTOR
Big Kahuna Swim Academy | Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE Your Resume, a Cover Letter, & Any Relevant Certifications



About the Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation


Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 5. We are doing something about it.

The Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation is a California-based nonprofit dedicated to eradicating childhood drowning through high-quality, 1:1 private swim instruction, community outreach, and water safety education. Big Kahuna Swim Academy is our swim school and the heartbeat of everything we do. Since 2015, we have taught over 25,000 swim lessons across our Norco and Riverside locations, serving 800+ lessons per month during our busy season. Approximately 30% of our student base are special needs students, with a strong emphasis on autistic learners a population we are deeply proud to serve.

We are small, scrappy, and mission-driven. We are not a corporate swim chain. We are a grassroots nonprofit building something that matters and we are looking for people who want to help us build it.

This Is Not Just a Job


We are not hiring to fill a shift. We are hiring for the long haul people who want to grow with this organization, contribute to its mission, and help us expand from a boutique local nonprofit into one that reaches thousands of children across the state and eventually the nation.

If you are looking for something to tide you over until something better comes along, this is not the right fit. If you are looking for a place where your work saves lives, your effort is noticed, and your growth is intentional keep reading.

What We Value


We hire for character and work ethic first. Skill can be taught. The following cannot:

• Reliability You show up, you follow through, and you communicate when something changes. Early is on time. On time is late.
• Coachability You receive feedback without defensiveness and implement it immediately. You see correction as investment, not criticism.
• Emotional Maturity You bring calm, positive energy. You assume good intent. You address concerns directly rather than letting them fester or spread.
• Initiative You notice what needs to be done and do it without being asked. You bring solutions, not just problems.
• Mission Alignment You genuinely care about why we exist. The children and families we serve are not just clients they are the reason we come to work every day.

A Note on Seasonality


This position is seasonal in nature. Our busiest months are May through September, and our slowest months are October through April. During the off-season, hours may be reduced organization-wide. Team members who build strong relationships with their families and students and bring in more clients tend to maintain more consistent hours year-round our high performers. With that in mind, we ask that you be in a financial position to sustain a potential reduction in hours during our slower months and have a plan in place for that season.

What You Can Expect From Us

• A mission that matters and work that is never meaningless
• A team that holds each other to a high standard and supports each other in meeting it
• Clear expectations, honest feedback, and a culture of growth
• The opportunity to be part of building something from the ground up
• A leader who is invested in your development and committed to this mission for the long haul

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Deliver private 1:1 swim lessons using the BKSA Learn-to-Swim curriculum (as well as our Stroke Technique curriculum)
• Track and document student progress accurately after every lesson
• Maintain active water supervision eyes on the water, always
• Build genuine relationships with students and families
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and embrace ongoing coaching and feedback
• Show up consistently, early, and prepared
  
  

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We hire for character first. Skill can be taught. The right candidate:

• Is reliable early is on time; they prepare before being asked and follow through without reminders
• Is coachable they implement feedback immediately, without defensiveness or excuses
• Has emotional maturity they assume good intent, don't gossip, and address concerns directly
• Shows initiative they notice what needs doing and step in without being asked

Experience working with special needs populations (autism, sensory processing, developmental delays) is a major plus. If this part of our mission excites you, we especially want to hear from you.


REQUIREMENTS

• CPR/First Aid certified (or willing to obtain before start date)
• Comfortable in the water; confident swimmer
• Available for a consistent weekly schedule
• Weekend availability preferred
• Committed to CDPF's mission not just looking for any job

COMPENSATION & DETAILS

• Starting at $19/hour, commensurate with experience
• Both locations: Norco (5th St and Hamner) and Riverside (19531 Mission Village Dr)
• Year-round position

A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER
"I started this with one goal: to prevent childhood drowning. I've spent over a decade building something I believe in deeply and I'm looking for people who want to be part of building it with us. Not for a year. Not for a few seasons. For the long run. If that resonates with you, let's talk."


Tenaya Goldsmith, Founder & CEO