Water Fitness Instructor
Objective: To instruct fitness classes, develop class participation, and support and enhance the aquative program and American Family. To provide class instruction at club and industry standard levels, serving members as role models, teachers, coaches, and motivators, making a special effort to reach individual participants on a personal level.
Reports to: Aquatic Coordinator/Water Fitness Coordinator and Aquatic Director
Game plan:
1. Keep CPR current. Maintain a strong knowledge base and awareness of emerging trends by attending all mandatory meetings, participating in training workshops, and being certified through a national certifying body as a water fitness instructor.
2. Know club emergency response protocols and know club rules as shown in the company policy manual and the aquatic manual.
3. Communicate with Aquatic Coordinator as required and in a timely manner for scheduling and other issues concerning classes.
4. Pick up your schedule prior to the beginning of the month and double check the schedule for any problems. You are required to teach any classes for which you are scheduled.
5. To keep substitutions to a minimum, teach all classes for which you are scheduled unless there is an emergency. Keep a current phone list at your disposal in the event that it might be needed. It is your responsibility to find a sub and to inform the Aquatic Coordinator and the Front Desk of the change.
6. Scan pool area to be sure that policies are being followed, checking for safety as well as anything that might disrupt class (children in the pool). Enforce any pool rules politely and by explaining the reason behind the rules. Avoid engaging in any dispute with members (call in management if necessary).
7. Wear appropriate attire including any uniform as required.
8. Active 5 to 10 minutes prior to class start time to greet members, set up music, equipment, log-i sheets and "Class in Progress" signs.
9. Introduce class type and self. Make any special announcements and address any special concerns.
10. Set example for others by showering prior to entering pool.
11. Start class on time.
12. For aerobic level classes, check heart rate (bpm or perceived exertion) at beginning, middle, and end of class.
13. Provide appropriate instructions per class format & guidelines. Must be able to recognize the need to modify class format to accommodate temperature variations , class population, etc.
14. Choose a variety of appropriate exercises per class type. Making sure they are safe and effective.
15. Provide appropriate and timely cueing: visual, vocal, and directional. Instruct the class by giving explanations about the exercises when appropriate.
16. Demonstrate individual exercises both on deck and again water as is appropriate for the class, personal safety, and effectiveness. Use and cue for correct alignment.
17. Use safe and effective application of water physics, water fitness principles and correct terminology.
18. If music is used, choose music that is appropriate per class type for both context and bpm. Adjust music volume at an acceptable level and check with class to be sure that the volume is acceptable for them.
19. Motivate the participants. The classes should be fun and enjoyable as they exercise.
20. Periodically scan pool area for safety hazads and enforce pool rules.
21. End class on time, encourageing participant feedback. Be available for questions and/or comments after class.
22. Put away all equipment appropriately and make sure equipment closets, bins, and music cabinets are locked.
23. Complete log sheets and timesheets.
24. Make sure the pool is presentable and inviting fo rour members prior to leaving.
25. Check skimmers and maintain tiles around inside of the rim of pool.
26. Be aware of pool chemistry reporting any problems to management.
Freqently Asked Questions
In Moseley, VA, employers highly value certifications from nationally recognized bodies such as the Aquatic Exercise Association or American Red Cross for Water Fitness Instructors. Holding current CPR certification is also essential, ensuring safety and adherence to local aquatic program standards.
Moseley shows a growing interest in aquatic fitness, but demand remains moderate compared to urban centers like Richmond. However, facilities such as American Family Fitness contribute to steady openings, reflecting an emerging market for specialized water aerobics and swim instruction jobs.
Success at American Family Fitness requires strong communication to personally engage participants, proficiency in modifying exercises for varied fitness levels, and consistent adherence to aquatic safety protocols. Mastery in cueing techniques and motivation strategies enhances class enjoyment and member retention.
Instructors must balance maintaining safety with class engagement, especially managing pool rules diplomatically and handling interruptions like children in the pool. Adapting to temperature shifts and diverse participant abilities also demands vigilant monitoring and flexible lesson planning.
Daily tasks include preparing the pool environment, greeting members, performing warm-ups, leading water aerobics sessions with appropriate exercises and music, monitoring safety, recording attendance, and ensuring equipment is cleaned and stored properly post-class.
Progression can lead to Aquatic Coordinator or Program Director positions, involving oversight of class scheduling, staff training, and aquatic program development. Experienced instructors might also specialize in therapeutic aquatic fitness or pursue certifications to become swim coaches.
Water Fitness Instructors in Moseley typically earn between $28,000 and $38,000 annually, depending on certification level and experience. Facilities like American Family Fitness offer competitive hourly rates, often supplemented by bonuses for consistent class attendance and member engagement.
American Family Fitness encourages ongoing professional growth through mandatory CPR renewals, access to training workshops, and attendance at industry meetings. This commitment ensures instructors stay current with aquatic fitness trends and safety protocols.
Yes, instructors must strictly enforce pool rules, monitor for hazards like unauthorized pool users, and promptly report chemical imbalances. They also follow a clear chain of communication for emergencies, collaborating closely with aquatic coordinators and management.
The hiring landscape is moderately competitive due to a niche skill set requirement. Candidates with current certifications, strong aquatic safety knowledge, and motivational teaching styles tend to stand out, as American Family Fitness prioritizes instructors who can foster community and class participation.
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