Water Exercise Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY:
The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region is looking to recruit a water Exercise Instructor. The Water Exercise Instructor will provide a skill-based exercise program with the emphasis on health and well-being to participants of all ages. The Water Exercise Instructor must be able to teach in multiple depths of water.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The Water Exercise Instructor ensures an atmosphere of discipline, friendliness, and safety within the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Regions Aquatics programs. They must present themselves in an exemplary manner and have a positive, enthusiastic attitude about the YMCA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead Water Exercise Classes.
• Provide music that meets YMCA Standards.
• Enforce Aquatic rules and policies.
• Record and maintain attendance records.
• Set up a facility or equipment, store equipment upon completion of class.
• Prepare exercise plans for various depths of water.
• Secure a qualified substitute instructor when needed.
• Demonstrate ability to comfortably swim 100 yards, Tread water, Surface dive
• Act as a secondary responder in case of injury, accident or illness in the pool area and provide back up to lifeguards needed in emergencies and crowd control.
• Report injuries and complete required forms.
• Support and follow YMCA policies and decisions and answer member questions about the YMCA and its programs and fitness related questions.
• Attend Water Exercise Instructor in-service/meetings. Instructors must attend 2 of the 4 water exercise in-services. One of which must be the aquatics safety Inservice, per year. 
• Attend all staff meetings for the department and center.
• Maintain all certifications.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y's values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives.  Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to members.
• Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Build relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. 
• Operational Effectiveness:  Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement. 
• Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance.  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.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to conduct classes and activities relating to fitness.  
• Ability to perform all physical aspects of the position; including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.
   

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current Nationally Recognized Aquatics Fitness Professional
• General Knowledge of exercise training and leadership including basic anatomy, physiology, and exercise Principles
• 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience of leading other in a Water Exercise class environment/or willing to complete training to become an instructor.
• Knowledge of participants' abilities and physical limitations, and 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 the ability to communicate with all participants and Y members.
• Current CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer, First Aid and Oxygen and, Administration Certification
• Must demonstrate qualities of a leader and be able to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Must be observant, safety conscious and able to react calmly and quickly to an emergency.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• AEA Water Exercise Instructor 
• Aqua Zumba
• Silver Sneakers Splash
• Institute of Motion
• ACE, AFAA, NASM, ACSM or other accredited organization with specialty in water exercise
• YMCA Water Facilitator for new instructors, with agreement to complete major certification within 6 months and be mentored during the learning process 
• Maintain CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer yearly
• Maintain First Aid and Administering Emergency Oxygen every 2 years
• Bloodborne Pathogens/Child Abuse Prevention every year