Water Exercise Instructor - Tri-Lakes

YMCA of The Pikes Peak Region•Monument, CO

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Exercise Instructor leads skill-based exercise programs focused on health and well-being for participants of all ages. The instructor must be able to teach in multiple water depths and help maintain a safe, friendly, and disciplined atmosphere in the YMCA’s aquatics programs. This position supports the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region’s mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Instructors are expected to model YMCA values, provide excellent service, and maintain a positive, enthusiastic, and professional manner.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Current nationally recognized aquatics fitness professional qualification.
AEA Water Exercise Instructor certification.
General knowledge of exercise training and leadership, including basic anatomy, physiology, and exercise principles.
Previous experience leading others in a water exercise class environment.
Knowledge of participants’ abilities and physical limitations, with the ability to modify exercises accordingly.
Understanding of the properties of the water environment and exercising in it.
Must pass a swim test and skills assessment.
Patience and ability to communicate with participants and YMCA members.
Current CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications.
Must demonstrate leadership qualities and be able to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.
Ability to conduct fitness classes and activities and perform the physical aspects of the position, including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.
Maintain CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer yearly; maintain First Aid and Emergency Oxygen Administration every two years; maintain Bloodborne Pathogens and Child Abuse Prevention training yearly.

Responsibilities

Lead water exercise classes and prepare exercise plans for various water depths.
Provide music that meets YMCA standards.
Enforce aquatic rules and policies.
Record and maintain attendance records.
Set up facilities and equipment and store equipment after class.
Secure a qualified substitute instructor when needed.
Demonstrate the ability to swim 100 yards, tread water, and surface dive.
Act as a secondary responder for injuries, accidents, or illnesses in the pool area; provide backup to lifeguards during emergencies and crowd control.
Report injuries and complete required forms.
Support and follow YMCA policies and decisions, and answer members’ questions about the YMCA, its programs, and fitness.
Attend water exercise in-services and meetings, including at least three of four water exercise in-services per year, one of which must be the aquatics safety in-service unless YMCA or American Red Cross Lifeguard certification is maintained.
Attend all department and center staff meetings.
Maintain all required certifications.
Model YMCA values, provide a high level of service, and cultivate relationships with members.
Champion inclusion, build relationships, listen empathetically, and communicate effectively with appropriate audiences.
Support program and activity planning and development, share insights, adapt to change, and use current functional and technical knowledge.
Address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance using non-threatening methods.