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Aquafit
Information and handouts supplied by:
Over the past few years, I have had requests from students, visitors, and aquatic professionals in general to feature AquaFit information as part of LifeguardHome.com. Most pools offer this popular program and the value in having more information regarding it is something I feel benefits the aquatic world. My comfort level definately lies in lifeguarding, first aid, and competitions. Therefore, the lower mainland company "Physical Expressions" will be providing training & educational resources for this section of the webpage. Enjoy! |
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GENERAL INFORMATION
| Although much of the following information is generic, it has come from British Columbia, Canada. Regional differences can obviously alter methods of teaching, statistics, etc. |
| Why Teach Aquatic Fitness |
There is a shortage of aquatic fitness instructors
Add skills to get better shifts
Self knowledge
Diversity of skills for interest and variety
Increase your own fitness level
Personal growth, challenge yourself to do something new and develop new skills
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| Some misconceptions include... |
it is difficult to get an intense workout
is an injury free activity
you need to be a good swimmer
is exclusively for older, overweight, injured individuals
is difficult to lose weight
is difficult to achieve cardiovascular overload
is only for women |
| The truth about these misconceptions... |
The intensity of a workout is the responsibility of the participant. Usually this comment stems from not knowing how to use the water effectively to maximize resistance and lack of intention by the participant. Water has a relaxing effect on the body. A skilled instructor will motivate participants to stay focused during workouts and educate participants how to use the water effectively to achieve an appropriate exercise intensity.
No activity is injury free. Potential injuries can result from unsafe environments, poor body alignment, and poor instruction.
It is not necessary to be a good swimmer. However, participants must feel comfortable in the water and be free of fear. If you are teaching deep water classes, participants must have the ability to manoeuvre themselves with ease to a pool wall in order to safely participate. If there are non swimmers in shallow water classes, horizontal exercises may need to be modified or replaced with vertical exercises. Options/modifications for non-swimmers need to be planned in advance. |
Shedding some light on the matter
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Older, overweight, and injured individuals Participate in aquatic fitness because of the accommodating environment of the water. This same accomodating envionment can also provide the opportunity for creating challenging cardiovascular and strength workouts for serious athletes or those with high fitness levels.
Losing weight is a multifaceted issue. Losing weight involves eating the appropriate amounts of nutritional foods, remaining active on a consistent basis, lowering your stress level, getting adequate rest, and having a positive mental attitude towards oneself and life. Water fitness classes can assist with weight loss.
New water exercisers sometimes can have difficulty getting their heart rate into the proper training zone. There are several reasons for this. The first is poor exercise technique and not using the water effectively. Participants may need to be shown “exactly” how to do a movement in the water. This statement may also apply to existing class participants. The second reason is that some individuals may have inadequate strength to overcome the resistance of the water resulting in an inability to keep up a moderate pace. Another reason for this difficulty is a lack of motivation by the participant for personal or social reasons.
Traditionally aquatic fitness classes have had a predominant female attendance. Trends are changing. More and more men are coming to aquatic fitness classes. Once there are a few men in class, others are willing to try it. They feel more comfortable when they are not alone. When teaching a predominant male class, you may need to modify your teaching style. Men prefer more athletic movements, simple moves to replicate vs complex, and a direct communication style.
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BCRPA REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATION
What is BCRPA Registration?
The BCRPA (British Columbia Parks & Recreation Association) is the governing body for all fitness professionals within the province of BC. It is equivalent to the Royal Life Saving Society setting life-guarding standards or the Canadian Red Cross setting the standards for swim instruction. The BCRPA sets the standards for aquatic fitness instructors, exercise to music instructors (land fitness), weight room attendants and personal trainers. |
Why do you need to be BCRPA registered?
When you are BCRPA registered you meet industry standards and are covered with a two million dollar liability insurance policy. Safety and first aid are common to all aquatic training courses, however fitness is very specific in understanding how the body works and how to put together an effective exercise program. Would you want an aquatic fitness instructor without lifeguard training to lifeguard? Likewise, it does not meet industry standards to have lifeguards teaching aquatic fitness without taking the proper courses and maintaining professional requirements. |
BCRPA REGISTRATION PROCESS
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Fitness theory course / or equivalent University course
Write BCRPA exam - acheive passing mark of 80% (multiple choice, study guide available from BCRPA website)
Aquatic Fitness Instructor course (sometimes called module) - 16 Hour Course
8 hours of practice teaching (on your own time, volunteer) to prepare for ICE evaluation, mandatory.
ICE Evaluation, ICE = Instructor Competency Evaluation - Package to be given to you at end of aquafit instructors course (call BCRPA office if you need one 604 629-0965)
First Aid (or NLS) and CPR Certification
Follow directions in ICE package and send appropriate documents or photocopies to BCRPA office (www.bcrpa.bc.ca or 604 629-0965) |
| Renewal of Registration |
Current CPR & First Aid or NLS
8 hours of renewal credits (workshops) / year |
AquaFit Relates Handouts/Downloads
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