The Water Exercise Instructor is responsible for providing professional instruction for all water exercise classes while ensuring the safety of members in the pool area. They must enforce policies, maintain a nurturing environment, and handle member needs and complaints professionally.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have experience instructing aquatic exercise programs and possess a current CPR for the Professional Rescuer/BLS certification. Certifications from Y-USA Foundations of Group Exercise or the Aquatic Exercise Association are highly recommended.
Category: AquaticsPOSITION SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Aquatics Director and Aquatics Coordinator/Lead, the Water Exercise Instructor is responsible for professional instruction of all water exercise classes. As a member of the Aquatics team, the Water Exercise Instructor is also responsible for the safety of members in the pool and pool area by enforcing policies and procedures courteously and professionally. It is essential to keep certifications current and follow emergency procedures when necessary. This position requires skill in preventing accidents and maintaining a safe and nurturing aquatic environment for all members. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Member Service Maintain effective, positive relationships with members, participants and other staff Interact with participants, working to discover their needs and exceed their expectations. Handle member complaints courteously and promptly by taking responsibility and resolving the complaint directly or by referring to the appropriate supervisor. Recruit and involve volunteers in the
Aquatics
Department in various areas such as: 1 Campaigner per year Aquatic Committee Special events (Healthy Kids Day & Family Swim Meets) etc. Safety Understand, follow, and enforce YMCA policies and procedures. Explain and interpret these policies and procedures to members in a positive manner. Take full responsibility for all students in each class from beginning to end, staying with them and watching them closely. Know and understand emergency procedures, and respond promptly and appropriately when necessary. Follow Minimum Standards of Safety for Aquatic Activities 7.301. Understand and consistently enforce safety rules, policies and guidelines for the pool and aquatic area. Follow the Safety and Injury Illness and Prevention Guidelines by taking personal responsibility for your own safety and the safety of pool participants. Instruction Use approved teaching practices at all times. Begin and end all classes punctually. Understand and respond to individual differences within each class by providing appropriate modifications or accommodations. Complete all record-keeping and support paperwork as required. Maintenance Take responsibility to keep all work areas neat, clean and organized. Check all equipment regularly to insure proper maintenance and cleanliness. Report equipment in need of repair to supervisor immediately. Scheduling Submit and review all schedule changes and substitutions with you supervisor, prior to the change. Securing a substitute is your responsibility, except in the case of certain leaves of absences. Ensure only authorized staff work as substitutes for your class. Administration Report to work on time and appropriately dressed. Attend staff meetings and trainings as required. Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management. Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff. Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth. All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.
YMCA
Leadership
Competencies
Advancing
Our
Mission &
Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community
Competencies
Include: Change Leadership,
Engaging
Community,
Philanthropy, &
Volunteerism
Building
Relationships: Connect people to the Y’s cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needs
Competencies
Include: Collaboration,
Communication &
Influence, &
Inclusion
Leading
Operations: Ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community
Others: Support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y’s cause, sustain the Y’s culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact
Competencies
Include: Emotional Maturity & Developing Self & Others While all competencies are significant, the following are critical to success in this position: Engaging Community Inclusion Functional Expertise Emotional
Maturity
QualificationsMINIMUM
Qualifications
Specialized
SKILLS: Knowledgeable in the principles and practices of successful water exercise instruction; ability to work with and interact with a diverse group of people.
QUALIFICATIONS: Current CPR for the Professional Rescuer/Basic Life Support (BLS); Y-USA Foundations of Group Exercise and/or Aquatic Exercise Association certification or other type of water fitness/group exercise certifications, highly recommended. WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations. Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
Market context
California classroom teachers remain in steady demand
In California, classroom teacher roles often stay competitive because licensed centers look for candidates who can show early childhood classroom leadership, lesson planning, and readiness to meet state compliance steps such as background checks and immunizations. This posting’s requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review the role faster and save research time. If you are considering applying, confirm your 12 ECE units and recent classroom experience before submitting.
