Water Sports Instructor

Do you see yourself inspiring people to get active on the water and develop new skills?

Can you use your experience to deliver safe, engaging and high-quality watersports sessions?

Does the idea of joining a brand-new council-managed leisure service excite you?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

Our Leisure Services Team is looking for 2 passionate and dedicated Watersports Instructors to join our amazing team and help make a difference today!

About the Role:

As a Watersports Instructor, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality watersports activities that inspire participation, promote healthy lifestyles and provide an exceptional customer experience. You will safely deliver teaching and coaching sessions, support the development of our watersports programme, and help maintain the highest standards across the facility. You will also contribute towards achieving and maintaining recognised industry accreditations while ensuring all equipment, facilities and activities meet health and safety requirements.

About You:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and customer-focused individual who is passionate about watersports and committed to helping people of all ages and abilities develop their skills and confidence.

You will have:

• Experience delivering watersports teaching and coaching sessions.
• Knowledge of relevant National Governing Body standards and best practices.
• A strong commitment to health, safety and customer wellbeing.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• The ability to motivate, encourage and support participants in achieving their goals.
• Experience carrying out equipment and facility safety checks.
• A proactive approach to maintaining high facility standards.
• Relevant watersports qualifications and licences required for the role.
• A commitment to maintaining mandatory qualifications and continuing professional development (CPD).

About the Team

Southwark Council's Leisure Services team is shaping the future of leisure provision following the transfer of services to full council management in 2023. This is a unique opportunity to be part of an ambitious, forward-thinking service that is committed to improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities and increasing participation in physical activity across the borough.

As part of the Environment, Neighbourhoods and Growth department, you'll join a supportive team dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for residents while maintaining high standards of service delivery. We value innovation, collaboration and continuous learning, offering opportunities for professional development and growth as we build a new future for leisure services in Southwark.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ben Wilson, Watersports Manager at View email address on jobs.southwark.gov.uk.

Additional Information:

• X 2 positions.

• Hours of work: 36 hours per week, Monday - Sunday

• Type of contract: permanent

• This position requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at Enhanced - Adults and Children (Barred) level.

Benefits and more information:

Recruitment Timeline:

Advert close date: 11:59pm on Tuesday 28th July 2026.

Shortlisting date: Thursday 30th July 2026.

Interview date: week commencing Monday 3rd August 2026.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our  Southwark Stands Together initiative . We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

About Southwark:

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.