Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Posted: 28-May-26
Location: Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Type: Gig
Salary: $25.00-$32.00 per hour
Salary Details:
Preferred Education:
About Pingry
The Pingry School, a prestigious K-12 coeducational, independent day school with a rich history dating back to its founding by Dr. John F. Pingry in 1861, stands at the forefront of academic excellence in the United States. With campuses located in Basking Ridge, Pottersville, and Short Hills, New Jersey, Pingry is celebrated for its academic programs, a student-written Honor Code that underpins our community values, and a comprehensive commitment to arts, athletics, community, and civic engagement. Our mission is to inspire in our students a lifelong passion for learning, personal development, and social responsibility, preparing them to be global citizens and luminaries of the 21st century. Rooted in relationships and guided by our foundational philosophy, Pingry is a vibrant community of more than 1,200 students hailing from over 90 towns across New Jersey and New York. At Pingry, we are united by a love of learning and a commitment to preparing students to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and integrity. For more information, we invite you to visit our website at pingry.org or connect with The Pingry School on our social media channels to discover why we love school.
About Pingry Summer: Where Excellence Meets Adventure
Pingry Summer is more than just a camp; it is a vibrant “third semester” where the excellence of The Pingry School’s academic and athletic traditions meets the high-energy spirit of summer exploration. Spanning three picturesque campuses in Basking Ridge, Short Hills, and Pottersville, Pingry Summer offers a diverse portfolio of over 100 programs from signature day camps and elite athletics to transformative arts and academic enrichment.
As an employer, we are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, honor, and intellectual curiosity. We believe the best summers are built by a team that is as dedicated to camper safety and compliance as it is to fun and friendship. Joining Pingry Summer means becoming part of a prestigious educational legacy while working in a dynamic, supportive environment where every staff member, from counselor to coordinator, plays a vital role in creating unforgettable experiences for our community.
Position Description: Pingry Summer Water Safety Instructor (WSI) and Lead Swim Coach
Status: Seasonal (Minimum 8-week commitment)
Location: Basking Ridge, NJ
Compensation: $25.00-$32.00 per hour (Final compensation will be determined based on experience and education)
Schedule: Required Training Week of June 15th | Hours determined by pool schedule
Position Summary
The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) serves as the pedagogical leader of the Pingry pool. Reporting to the Summer Aquatics Director, this role is responsible for executing high-quality swim lessons and mentoring a team of lifeguards in the proper delivery of aquatics instruction. The WSI ensures that every camper, from beginner to advanced, receives a safe, skill-based, and encouraging instructional experience.
The Candidate Profile
We are looking for an experienced educator and safety leader. The ideal WSI is:
- A Master Teacher: You possess the ability to break down complex strokes into age-appropriate drills for campers.
- A Staff Mentor: You enjoy coaching younger lifeguards, helping them grow from "deck watchers" into effective assistant instructors.
- A Proactive Protector: You understand that a safe lesson is one where the instructor is constantly scanning for hazards while teaching.
- Disciplined & Professional: You maintain a high level of physical and mental alertness and enforce pool rules consistently.
Core Responsibilities
Instructional Leadership & Staff Mentorship
- Design and execute daily swim lesson plans for various age groups and skill levels.
- Directly supervise and train junior lifeguards on the deck, providing "on-the-job" coaching on how to assist with lessons and manage camper groups effectively.
- Assess camper progress regularly and provide feedback to the Aquatics Director and camp families.
Surveillance & Emergency Response
- Maintain active, uninterrupted supervision of pool areas when not actively instructing, scanning assigned zones to ensure 100% safety.
- Respond immediately to emergencies according to the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and provide first aid/CPR/AED care as required.
- Enforce all pool safety rules and deck regulations to prevent accidents.
Program & Deck Operations
- Manage instructional equipment (kickboards, noodles, safety markers) and ensure all gear is organized and "rescue-ready".
- Conduct routine checks of water conditions and deck markers, reporting any maintenance concerns to Aquatics leadership.
- Maintain professional boundaries with campers, parents, and staff at all times.
Qualifications
- Technical Certification: Current Red Cross Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification is required.
- Safety Credentials: Current Lifeguard Certification, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and First Aid.
- Leadership Experience: Proven experience teaching swim lessons and the ability to lead/direct a team of junior staff members.
- Physical Readiness: Ability to pass all required pre-employment swim tests and maintain the physical stamina required for full-day sessions.
Required Clearances & Onboarding
- Complete all digital onboarding via the payroll platform with the Summer Employment Operations Manager.
- Successful completion of background checks, fingerprinting, and NJ Sexual Misconduct/Child Abuse Disclosure releases.
- All current certifications must be uploaded and verified prior to the first day on the stand.
Qualified candidates are invited to apply online at https://www.pingry.org/careers.
