Nellie Martin, 84, has been an enthusiastic and valued volunteer water aerobics instructor at the Kihei community pool since the day it opened 18 years ago, according to her daughter, Shirley Martin and swimmers Maribeth and Jack Klobuchar.

She is a songsmith with a large repertoire of songs that she uses to keep the activities light and fun.

Martin encourages her swimmers to sing, harmonize and joke along with her as she leads them through a full circuit of exercises.

By the end of each class, participants have limbered up, worked their cardiovascular system and strengthened muscles. “Elbows, elbows, back, back.”

Martin teaches in the shallow pool area three days per week — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Adults of all ages are welcome. The group size varies from 25 to about 50 during the high season.

Men are welcome too — there are more than 15 who participate.

“Sing or hum along with Nellie — it’s all good,” said swimmers Maribeth and Jack Klobuchar. “She is a vibrant, zippy lady of 84 years who has boundless energy. Nellie is such a treasure to the Kihei community.”