Aqua Fitness Instructor

Ymc; Brookside (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free membership

CEU reimbursement

Friendships

Job summary

YMCA is seeking an Aqua Fitness Instructor to lead energizing water exercise classes and promote safe, engaging experiences for members. You will teach, motivate, and adapt sessions to diverse abilities while upholding all safety policies.

The role requires a high school diploma, 1 year of YMCA/group fitness experience, and current CPR/First Aid/AED certification. Part-time hours, with benefits like free membership and CEU reimbursement may apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• National Aqua Fitness Instruction certification required (ASFA, AEA, ISFTA, IFTA, IFA, WIM, SCW).
• Minimum 1 year YMCA or Group/Water Fitness experience.
• Current CPR, First-Aid and AED certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead engaging Aqua Fitness classes that are safe and educational.
• Create an inclusive, motivating class environment.
• Guide and respond to participant questions to support goals.
• Maintain knowledge of aquatic fitness trends for effective instruction.
• Build positive relationships with members and participants.
• Adapt instruction for varying abilities and backgrounds.
• Ensure safety by following YMCA protocols and monitoring class.
• Track attendance and submit required documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Public speaking

Relationship building

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

• We are looking for a certified Aquatic Fitness Instructor to join our team of passionate individuals dedicated to providing energizing, fun, safe and educational aqua fitness classes.
• Join our team of like minded individuals and put your passion to purpose today!
• Employee benefits include: free membership, eligibility for CEU reimbursement, friendships and more!

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: We are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: We value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: We believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: We support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: We are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

Requirements

Job Title: Aqua Fitness Instructor

Reports to: Senior Director of Health & Wellness and Central Y Operations

Department: Health and Wellness

Classification: Part-time, Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The Aqua Fitness Instructor is responsible for leading, instructing, and motivating individuals and groups in aquatic exercise activities to deliver high-quality programming and exceptional member experiences. The instructor ensures all YMCA safety policies and aquatic guidelines are followed and enforced. This role actively builds relationships by learning and using names, engaging participants, and fostering positive connections with staff, members, and program participants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead engaging, safe, and educational Aqua Fitness classes in alignment with YMCA mission, values, and program standards
• Create a fun, inclusive, and motivating class environment that encourages participant engagement and consistency
• Provide guidance, encouragement, and respond to participant questions to support individual health and well-being goals
• Maintain a working knowledge of aquatic fitness and wellness trends to deliver effective, relevant instruction
• Build authentic, positive relationships with members and program participants, fostering connection to each other and the YMCA
• Observe participants and adapt instruction to accommodate varying abilities, physical conditions, health considerations, and cultural backgrounds
• Ensure participant safety by monitoring class conditions and following all YMCA aquatic and safety protocols
• Accurately track and submit class attendance and required program documentation
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school degree or equivalent and at least 18 years of age
• National certification required in Aqua Fitness Instruction (ASFA, AEA, ISFTA, IFTA, IFA, WIM, SCW)
• A minimum of 1 year of YMCA or Group/Water Fitness experience
• Strong communication skills and the ability to relate well to the public
• Must be receptive to training/learning and willing to grow in the position
• Exceptional customer service and delivery skills
• Current certification in CPR, First-Aid and AED
• Possess and demonstrate a strong understanding of the YMCA and its purpose, mission and values

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hot, humid environment
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Flexible work hours as needed

CORE COMPETENCIES

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.