How to hire a swimmer

How to hire a swimmer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step swimmer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a swimmer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new swimmer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the swimmer you need to hire. Certain swimmer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect swimmer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of swimmers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Swimmer	Description	Hourly rate
   Swimmer	Athletes and sports competitors participate in organized, officiated sporting events to entertain spectators.	$11-51
   Karate Black Belt	A black belt in karate serves as the role model within a karate group. Those who practice karate at the black belt level need to defend themselves and to show discipline, respect, and honor to their competitors... Show more	$26-59
   Athlete	An athlete specializes and competes in a particular sport as an individual or part of a team. Mentored by a coach or instructor, an athlete undergoes rigorous training and practices, even as professionals in the league, to develop and maintain skills... Show more	$11-51

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Operational Support
   • Coast Guard
   • Warfare
   • Rescue Missions
   • CPR
   • Emergency Situations
   • NCAA
   • Championship

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage supervision of elite and NCAA pipeline development.
   • Certify in aquatic rescue, first aid, CPR and a.
   • Display teamwork and leadership skills by communicating plays during the game.
   • Train and certify in first aid, CPR and water rescue using a variety of aids and equipment.
   • Train in basic military requirements, seamanship, drill, swimming, weapons familiarization, basic firefighting skills and physical readiness.
   • Ensure consistent premium execution of merchandise presentation standards in accordance with Nike guidelines.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your swimmer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A swimmer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, swimmers' average salary in idaho is 69% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level swimmers earn 78% less than senior-level swimmers.
   • Certifications. A swimmer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a swimmer's salary.

   Average swimmer salary

   $51,630yearly

   $24.82 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level swimmer salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a swimmer job description

   A good swimmer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a swimmer job description:

   Swimmer job description example

   1. Working as an aircrew on a SH-60 helo, where the primary duties are to coordinate with the pilots to ensure success of various fleet missions
   2. Saving pilots of downed aircraft, people aboard stranded or capsized vessels at sea, or hikers and mountain climbers in danger
   3. Rescuing civilians during natural disasters and collaborating with other forces, such as the Coast Guard
   4. Delivering aid and supplies to other countries in humanitarian operations
   5. Providing support to Naval Special Warfare Operations
   6. Conducting surveillance in anti-submarine warfare and drug interdiction operations
   7. Operate radar, Forward Looking Infrared sensors, missile systems and door guns in anti-surface operations.
   8. Transporting troops and cargo to and from ships

   WORK ENVIRONMENT

   Aviation Rescue Swimmers may help just about anyone, in almost any environment. They might have to save a family on the other side of the globe who is desperately trying to survive a destructive storm, the crew of a sinking ship off the Pacific coast, or a wounded mountain climber hanging from a nearly inaccessible cliff.

   AIRRs may be assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) sea or shore duty in any part of the world. They are assigned to squadrons at Naval Air Stations and typically deploy aboard aircraft carriers, surface combatants and support ships.

   TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT

   Aviation Rescue Swimmers must be prepared to operate in any challenging environment. AIRR training is realistic and one of the most demanding, life-altering training programs in the Navy.

   AIRR candidates undergo almost two years of training in advanced swimming/lifesaving techniques, helicopter mission equipment and crew served weapons systems" before reporting to their first squadron. Throughout training, candidates will be continually tested, mentally and physically, as they advance to more rigorous and challenging scenarios. Training includes:

   1. Water and land survival and flight safety (4 weeks at Aircrew Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla.)
   2. Search and Rescue Swimming Skills (5 weeks at Rescue Swimmer School in Pensacola, Fla.)
   3. Basic skills in Naval Aviation (14 weeks on average at Class “A” Technical School in Pensacola, Fla.)
   4. Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) techniques (2 weeks at SERE School in North Island, Calif., or Portsmouth NH)
   5. Aircraft systems (28 weeks on average at a Naval Air Station)

   Air Rescuse Units

   After graduation, an AIRR may be assigned to a helicopter command at sea or on shore duty in various locations thoughout the U.S., including San Diego CA, Norfolk VA, Jacksonville FL, China Lake, Calif., Whidbey Island, Wash., Key West, Fl. and many others.

   Advanced Education & Training

   Based on performance and the needs of the Navy, you could potentially be eligible to receive additional training in:

   1. EMT training
   2. Advanced Rescue Swimmer School (includes swift water, high seas, cave and cliff rescue training)

   Senior Enlisted AIRRs may also be selected to become:

   1. Schoolhouse instructors
   2. Weapons instructors
   3. Master rappellers/instructors

   Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. It's also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.

   EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

   Members of the Naval Special Warfare/Naval Special Operations (NSW/NSO) community have any number of unique opportunities to advance their knowledge. Navy training provides skills and knowledge in everything from military tactics and small arms use to survival and a number of other tactical military procedures.

   Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy training in the NSW/NSO community can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on Education. You may also continue your education through opportunities like the following:

   1. Fleet Replacement Aircrew/Mission Tactical Instructor
   2. Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
   3. Post-9/11 GI Bill

   QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

   No college degree is required to become an Enlisted Navy AIRR, but a high degree of difficulty and satisfaction come standard with nearly everything you'll do. Training is tough and ongoing.

   To qualify for Rescue Swimmer Training, both men and women must:

   1. Meet specific eyesight requirements: uncorrected vision no worse than 20/100; correctable to 20/20 in both eyes with normal depth and color perception
   2. Meet the minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score: VE+AR+MK+MC=210 or VE+AR+MK+AS=210
   3. Pass a PST in DEP/Boot Camp
   4. Pass Class 1 Flight Physical
   5. Be 30 years of age or younger
   6. Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for security clearance

   The chart below highlights the current minimum Navy Physical Screening Test (PST) requirements for Navy Challenge Programs.

   NOTE: You should consult your physician or other health-care professional before starting any exercise regime or other fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. This is particularly true if you (or your family) have a history of medical illnesses or ailments that could be made worse by a change in physical activity. Do not start a fitness program if your physician or health-care provider advises against it.

   General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you're currently serving, whether you've served before or whether you've never served before.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right swimmer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your swimmer job on Zippia to find and recruit swimmer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit swimmers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new swimmer

   Once you've decided on a perfect swimmer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new swimmer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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