• There are many benefits to water fitness programs.swim meet image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
  
  Aquatic fitness instructors are trained through the YMCA in a series of steps to acquire certification.In addition to the basic aquatic instructor program, the YMCA provides additional certifications in older adult water fitness as well as a program in conjunction with the Arthritis Foundation for water fitness for those suffering from the affects of arthritis. In each level of training, you must have CPR PRO/AED (professional rescuer and automated emergency defibrillator), first-aid and oxygen administration certifications and YMCA life guard certification.
  
  

YMCA Water Fitness Instructor Certification (YWFI)

• In addition to the CPR PRO/AED, first-aid and oxygen administration, and YMCA life guard prerequisites, you must be at least 16 years old by the last day of the course. Before the actual course begins, you must read the YMCA Water Fitness for Health Instructor Training Manual and complete the course study guide. The course is 20 hours of instruction which includes seven hours of pool practicum spread out over a series of days. Curriculum includes basic anatomy, exercise science and leadership skills, and a discussion of the values, missions and goals of the YMCA program. You will learn fitness principles, how to design functional water exercises, and methods to target training objectives of your client or class. There is a test for certification, written and practical. Certification expires after three years, when a renewal course must be taken.
  
  

YMCA Active Older Adult Water Fitness Instructor (AOA-YWFI)

• The YWFI certification is a prerequisite for this course. You must be a minimum age of 18 years. This course builds on the skills of the basic water fitness instructor in the area of older adult water fitness. It provides you with background knowledge and skills areas targeted for this age group, particularly activities that enhance fitness for daily living. The course is 16 hours with a five-hour pool practicum.
  
  

YMCA/Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program Instruction

• The YMCA, in conjunction with the Arthritis Foundation, has designed a certification program following the guidelines and procedure of the Arthritis Foundation for instruction in water exercise programs specifically for those who are afflicted with arthritis. While this is not a clinical therapy, benefits include increased movement and lessening of pain and stiffness. Pool water for this program is warmed. All previous prerequisites must be met as well as the YMCA course "Training Others I," a three-hour course in adult learning, the role of the trainer and the YMCA training system.