The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.
Applications are now being accepted for the Adapted Swim Instructor (Fall 2025) position in the Recreation Services Department, Community Services Commission. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume online by August 1, 2025.

JOB SUMMARY

The Adapted Swimming Instructor effectively delivers swimming instruction across the range of abilities and ages for individuals with mild to moderate learning and/or physical disabilities. Supports swimmers in all ways necessary to ensure that they meet their goals, both socially and recreationally. Exercises sensitivity to the needs of patrons during transitions (arrival, departure) and during difficult behavioural and emotional times.
The Adapted Swimming Instructor also plays an advocacy role to support the City’s diverse community. They assist in strengthening the values and commitment of the City to promote a welcoming and inclusive community as outlined in the City’s Inclusion Charter and Diversity Action Plan.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Minimum of one year working as an Aquatics Instructor. Individual must have a strong desire to work with children with disabilities in a recreational setting.
• Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities is an asset.
• Licenses/Certifications:
• Current Lifesaving Society Instructor, Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Society Emergency First Aid Instructor.
• Current National Lifeguard
• Current Standard First Aid
• Current Airway Management
• Inclusion Clinic Recommended
• Behaviour Management Training Recommended
• Crisis Prevention Intervention Training Recommended
• Good customer service and communication (written, verbal and non-verbal) skills to instruct and re-assure a wide variety of patrons in a pleasant and effective manner, some of whom may be apprehensive of water.
• Effective computer skills an asset.
• Ability to work tactfully with other staff as part of a team.
• Positive attitude.
• Enjoy working with individuals with special needs of all ages.
• Ability and fitness level to perform aquatics instruction and rescue skills to standard.

• Meets with the Co-ordinator, Program Supervisor or designate prior to program session at each participating pool to become familiar with swim area, the special needs of program participants, intake forms, supplies etc.
• Provides quality customer service to customers by answering inquiries while on duty.
• In accordance with the needs of individual participant, develops customized program plans and makes program adaptations as needed so all participants can participate. Prepares weekly lesson plans for volunteers and / or staff to teach from. Prepares worksheets, certificates of progress and report cards as required.
• Based on the customized plan, provides guidance and direction to Assistant Instructors orienting them to the pool, program and level, and the assistance/support that will be required. Provides teaching tips and hints to assist them to teach more proficiently. Ensures that participant progress has been recorded following each lesson.
• Maintains information previously collected on the intake form to ensure safety and optimum improvement and obtains additional information where required.
• Provides direct instruction and evaluation of program participants according to the set guidelines of the Lifesaving Society program. According to the lesson plan, leads specific drills/instruction while creating a fun, safe and positive learning environment for individuals of all ages with special needs. The progress of participants should be directed to the objectives of the program being taught
• Checks and ensures all participant emergency and medical information is accurate on the class list.
• Prepares and presents a swimming orientation to patrons/participants, volunteers and/or staff at the beginning of each program session including:
• General pool rules and procedures for swimming.
• Safety measures to be followed
• Keeps attendance records and checks with participants who have extended absences. Calls all participants who do not attend the first class.
• Ensures all program participants/patrons, Assistant Instructors are aware of any program changes or cancellations.
• Returns all lesson plans and worksheets to file in the event that a substitute instructor is directing the class and/or ensures that information is on file for next class.
• May be required to assist volunteers / swimmers with specialized pool lifts.
• Maintains class safety through use of formations and proper scanning techniques and through educating all facility users on safe, enjoyable aquatics.
• Competently administers emergency procedures for the facility; applies basic life support and/or first aid should the need arise according to training, and assists staff in the evacuation of the facility if required.
• Notifies Co-ordinator, Program Supervisor or designate at least 24 hours in advance, if unable to teach class ensuring approval of a qualified shift replacement.
• Sets up and cleans up all equipment and supplies e.g. personal floatation devices, rescue equipment etc. Ensures that the inventory is maintained and notifies Aquatic Co-ordinator, Supervisor or designate of broken or damaged equipment to minimize risk at all times.
• Maintains pool deck area in a clean and orderly condition.
• May be assigned other related duties.