Water Fitness Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  The water fitness instructor creates, teaches and oversees water fitness classes in a swimming pool with the goal to promote physical fitness, and healthy aging. Instructors will design exercises for people of all fitness levels, and monitor the safety of participants.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Demonstrate and use equipment properly. Use appropriate equipment for each skill level.

• Instruct classes in accordance with YMCA policies, including covering all class components and using proper teaching technique.

• Maintain constant watch on all class members and ensure their safety during the class.

• Keep participants moving as much as possible to get the most out of each class.

• Is friendly and courteous with participants

• Develop lesson plans for each of the classes 

• Motivating members, communicating safe exercise skills and techniques, and staying current on new exercise techniques modifying as needed. 

• Adhere to all pool rules and policies.

• Communicate requests for replacement and time off to supervisor, successfully using GroupEX Pro.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Prior experience as a Water Fitness Instructor or Group Exercise Instructor is a preferred

• Must be 18 years old or older and have a minimum education level of High School Graduate or equivalent

• Must pass a criminal background check

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Must hold certifications in  Basic Life Support (CPR with Oxygen) / Basic First Aid Certifications.

• Employee may be asked to take additional education requirements as offered by Water Fitness Coordinator and Aquatic Director (i.e. United States Water Fitness National Water Fitness Instructor Certification).

• Reliable and punctual attendance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Employees must be able to demonstrate some moves on the pool deck at times during classes.

•  Must be able to stand, kneel, bend, stoop, reach overhead.

• The position requires proficient swimming ability and the proper application of rescue and first aid techniques.

• Must have the ability to lift various materials up to 25 lbs occasionally and the ability to properly extract individuals from the pool(s) to the deck as needed in rescues.

• The employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and possibly interpret people and situations; analyze and solve problems.

• May interact with members and participants who are distressed or dissatisfied.

• Exposure to pools, wet and very humid conditions, and chemicals.

• The noise level in the work environment can vary from quiet to loud depending upon the programming that is occurring at the time.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABUSE RISK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT:

Countryside YMCA is committed to providing a safe environment for all children and vulnerable individuals in our care. We follow best practices for abuse prevention, including thorough screening, ongoing training, and clear behavioral expectations for staff and volunteers. We have a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and take all allegations and concerns very seriously. All employees are required to follow our child protection policies, complete required training, and report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior immediately.

Countryside YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.