Water Exercise Instructor

Ymcadetroit; Royal Oak (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family membership

Flexible scheduling

Family environment

EAP & Retirement

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit seeks a Water Exercise Instructor at the South Oakland Family YMCA in Royal Oak, MI. You will teach aquatic exercise classes in a safe, enjoyable environment that promotes member wellness and engagement.

The role requires current aquatic fitness certification and prior teaching experience; certification in specialty areas is a plus. Benefits include membership access, flexible scheduling, and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 18 and current aquatic fitness certification.
• Experience teaching group/water exercise preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads energizing, safe group water exercise classes.
• Builds authentic relationships with members and connects them with the YMCA.
• Maintains records and attends trainings as scheduled.

Skills

In-water instruction

Member engagement

Class leadership

Verbal communication

Safety awareness

Education

AEA Certification

YMCA Water Fitness Instructor Certification

CPR/First Aid Certification

Job description

South Oakland Family YMCA, 1016 W. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Monday, August 24, 2026 at 4:00 AM

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundation of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than just a job—you’ll enjoy a career with the chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

LIKE BEING IN THE WATER?
MAKE A SPLASH WITH A JOB AT THE Y!

Now Hiring Water Exercise Instructors at the South Oakland Family YMCA

YMCA Employee Benefits

• FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs
• Flexible Scheduling
• Family-friendly Work Environment
• Employee Assistance Program & Retirement Plan

General Function

Under the supervision of the Aquatics Director, the Water Exercise Instructor teaches aquatic exercise classes in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that promotes member wellness and engagement.

Education/Experience/Training/Certifications

• Minimum age of 18
• Current AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional or other nationally recognized certification, or YASA (YMCA Aquatic Safety Assistant ) and YMCA Water Fitness Instructor Certifications .
• Certification in specialty areas of expertiseis desired.
• At least one year of experience teaching group/water exercise classes preferred

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes
• Builds effective, authentic relationships with members; helps members connect with the YMCA.
• Maintains records and attends meetings and trainings as scheduled.

Abilities & Skills

• Ability to conduct classes and activities in and out of the water.
• Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position, including leading class, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Ability to communicate verbally and nonverbally with the participants in the class.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit ("YMCA") is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The YMCA does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring or other terms or conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, ethnicity, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military status or application or any other basis protected by state, federal or other applicable law.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our programs. We hold all staff, regardless of position, to the highest possible standards. We require all staff to be screened regularly and sign a code of conduct. All staff will be monitored when interacting with
program participants. We take any inappropriate interactions between program
participants and with staff very seriously and will fully cooperate with
authorities in any case of abuse.

South Oakland Family YMCA, 1016 W. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan, United States of America