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SWIM INSTRUCTOR
Big Kahuna Swim Academy | Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation

ABOUT US

The Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation (CDPF) operates Big Kahuna Swim Academy (BKSA) — a private nonprofit swim school with one mission: to eradicate childhood drowning, one child at a time.

Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children under 5. Every lesson we teach matters. Every child we reach is a potential life saved.

Our niche is private, 1:1 swim lessons using our proven Learn To Swim curriculum, which focuses on the 8 Basic Water Safety Skills. We've delivered 25,000+ lessons across two locations in Norco and Riverside, CA — and we're growing.

About 30% of our students have special needs, with a strong emphasis on autistic learners. Our 1:1 model is uniquely built to serve this population, and it's one of the things we're most proud of.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is not a summer job or a side gig. As a Swim Instructor at BKSA, you'll deliver private, 1:1, and group swim lessons using our structured curriculum — working with children of all ages and abilities, including special needs students.

We're looking for someone who wants to grow with us — not for a season, but for the long haul. We are building something, and we want people who are called to help us build it.

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

Compensation: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

The Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation, member of the United States Swim School Association, provides life-saving swim instruction in their communities that builds confidence and develops safety skills in a student-centered environment.

You have the opportunity to develop a rewarding career while helping people learn a lifelong and life saving skill.

If you are someone who loves kids and making a difference, look no further! Start your career in the learn to swim industry today by joining the staff at the Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation.

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.

Apply here.

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If extended a job offer, are you willing to submit to a detailed background check and drug screen?*

Can you provide the necessary documentation to prove that you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a foreign national with authorization to work in the United States?*

Are you at least 18 years old and a high school graduate?*

Do you have a current BLS Certification (CPR/FIrst Aid/AED)? And if not, are you willing to get certified before you get hired?*

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Have you ever been fired or forced to resign from a position?*

Have you ever applied to the Childhood Drowning Prevention Foundation or Big Kahuna Swim Academy in the last 3 years?*

Do you agree to respond to any communications from us via email, text or phone call within 24 hours moving forward in the hiring process?*

Are you able to commit to a consistent weekly schedule, including weekends (if required)?*

We invest deeply in our team members and are looking for people who see this as a career, not just a job. Which best describes what you're looking for?*

Approximately 30% of our students have special needs, including autism. How would you describe your experience and readiness working with special needs children and their families?*

Approximately how many shifts or days did you call off — for any reason — in your last position over the past 12 months?*

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