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Water Fitness Instructor
American Family Fitness
Location : Richmond, VA, 23219
Job Type : Part Time
Date Posted : 2 December 2025
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
Water Fitness Instructors adapt exercises by assessing participants' fitness and swimming abilities, then modifying intensity and movements accordingly. This customization ensures safety and effectiveness for beginners through advanced swimmers, enhancing engagement and accommodating diverse member needs in aquatic fitness sessions.
Absolutely, Water Fitness Instructors can advance by obtaining specialized certifications, leading larger classes, or moving into supervisory roles like Aquatic Coordinator. Continuous education and networking at facilities like American Family Fitness often open pathways to higher responsibility or niche aquatic therapy positions.
Daily duties include preparing and leading water aerobic classes, monitoring participant safety, enforcing pool rules, managing equipment, and maintaining the pool’s environment. Instructors also motivate members, track attendance, and communicate scheduling details with aquatic coordinators to ensure smooth operations.
Richmond, VA, has a growing interest in wellness and aquatic fitness, increasing demand for qualified instructors. Competition is moderate, with opportunities in community centers, gyms, and swim schools. Local employers often prefer candidates with certifications and CPR training to meet rising fitness standards.
In Richmond, certifications from nationally recognized bodies like the Aquatic Exercise Association and current CPR/AED are highly regarded. Employers prioritize instructors who stay updated with regional aquatic safety protocols and demonstrate practical knowledge of water fitness principles tailored to community needs.
American Family Fitness emphasizes personalized member engagement, requiring instructors to motivate and connect on an individual level. Their programs maintain industry standards while encouraging innovation in class formats and music selection, fostering a supportive and dynamic aquatic environment.
At American Family Fitness, instructors are entrusted with enforcing safety protocols while also acting as ambassadors of wellness, blending technical expertise with member interaction. The emphasis on thorough scheduling communication and proactive class management sets this role apart in aquatic fitness careers.
Water Fitness Instructors in Richmond typically earn between $30,000 and $42,000 annually, influenced by certification level, experience, and employer. Positions at established clubs like American Family Fitness often offer competitive pay with additional benefits, reflecting the region's fitness industry standards.
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