Water Exercise Instructor - Santee

YMCA of San Diego; Santee, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of San Diego County seeks a Water Exercise Instructor in California to lead safe, engaging aquatic classes. You will greet participants, provide modifications, monitor safety, and maintain a clean pool deck while delivering a high‑quality workout. Schedule includes Wednesdays 6pm–7pm.

Qualifications include AEA Water Exercise or an NCCA water‑certified credential, CPR/AED and First Aid, and the ability to work with all fitness levels. Fingerprinting is required by policy.

Qualifications

• Must hold AEA Water Exercise certification or an NCCA-certified group exercise/personal training cert with water specialty.
• CPR/AED and First Aid from ARC/AHA/ASHI, adult and child/infant, within 30 days of hire.
• All trainings completed within 90 days of hire.
• Excellent communication and ability to work with all fitness levels.
• Fingerprinting required per YMCA policies.

Responsibilities

• Leads safe and effective water exercise classes by demonstrating proper form and technique with clear cues.
• Greet participants, learn names, and provide modifications for diverse fitness levels.
• Ensure safety by monitoring techniques and maintaining a clean pool deck.
• Deliver well-structured, engaging workouts and be punctual and professional as a YMCA representative.
• Set up and break down class equipment within the allotted time.
• Foster community and support members in reaching health goals.
• Adhere to Y Group Exercise Class Guidelines and policies.
• Complete attendance tracking and incident reporting as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Group exercise instruction

Safety awareness

Education

AEA Water Exercise certification

NCCA-certified Group Exercise or Personal Training with water specialty

Job description

Overview

The Water Exercise Instructor delivers high-quality, group aquatic fitness classes designed to improve member strength, mobility, and cardiovascular endurance. By providing safe, inclusive, and well-structured instruction, the Water Exercise Instructor ensures a positive experience for participants of all fitness levels. This role fosters a supportive community through active member engagement, excellent customer service, and a commitment to the YMCA’s mission of healthy living.

For information on Y Employee Perks, click on this link:Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

Schedule

• Wednesdays: 6pm-7pm

Responsibilities

• Leads safe and effective water exercise classes by demonstrating proper form and technique using clear verbal and visual cues; ensures appropriate music is played at a volume compliant with facility standards

• Creates a welcoming environment by greeting participants, learning names, and providing appropriate modifications to meet diverse fitness levels
• Ensures participant safety by monitoring and correcting techniques and maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free pool deck and workout area
• Effectively utilizes scheduled class time to deliver a well-structured and engaging workout experience; maintains a high level of punctuality, reliability, and professional conduct as a representative of the YMCA
• Properly sets up and breakdowns class equipment within the allotted timeframe
• Fosters a sense of community by developing positive relationships and supporting members in reaching their Health & Wellness goals
• Strictly adheres to Y Group Exercise Class Guidelines and organizational policies
• Complete all required administrative tasks, including attendance tracking and incident reporting, as necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Current Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) Water Exercise certification OR,
• Current NCCA-accredited certification in Group Exercise or Personal Training WITH a water exercise specialty certification (e.g, S’Wet, Water in Motion, Aqua Zumba, La Blast Splash, FiTOUR Aqua, ACE: WaterFit S.W.E.A.T.)

• All job required trainings within 90 days from date of hire

• Strong communication skills and the capability to work with members of all fitness levels and abilities

• Knowledge of fitness principles and practical applications required
• Licensing, state law and our government funders require that staff within YMCA of San Diego County be fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and includesubsequentarrest notifications
• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, obtained within30 daysofhireand must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego CountyOffice of Labor Standards and Enforcement.

Pay Range

USD $22.64 - USD $27.17 /Hr.