AusLeisure

AUSactive has released new industry guidelines designed to assist aquatic facilities with best practice standards and the implementation risk management strategies for the safe and effective delivery of aqua exercise classes.

A first for AUSactive, the launch of inaugural Aqua Exercise Instructor (AEIs) Guidelines aims to further develop aqua fitness as a reputable form of physical activity acknowledging that aqua exercise instructors play an integral role in preventative health and fitness, supporting many Australians to keep active.

The Aqua Exercise Guidelines provide:

• Clear and concise guidance for aqua programmers to grow and expand their services with confidence
• AEIs with the knowledge that they are an important part of, and have support from health, fitness and aquatic agencies
• Acknowledgement that the aqua sector is ‘back in the pool’ and is fully aligned with the fitness industry.

Advising that the new Aqua Exercise Instructor Guideline highlights how AEIs and their employers can deliver best practice standards, AUSactive General Manager, Standards and Development, Chris Alexander stated “many Australians choose the aquatic environment for their physical activity. In many cases it’s a low impact option for patrons, however the right tailored class can challenge athletes to also improve their cardiovascular fitness, strength and endurance.

“Aqua Exercise Instructors provide valuable guidance, motivation and supervision in a class setting to optimise each participant’s health outcomes across various age groups and abilities. These new guidelines will ensure consistency across the industry, which ultimately helps to develop greater consumer confidence in this form of exercise.”

The practical guide was developed by AUSactive in conjunction with industry experts and endorsed by the Health & Fitness Industry Standards Council and is part of AUSactive’s continued commitment to the aqua modality, which was recently added as a dedicated membership category.

Aqua Exercise Professional, Donna Wilmott, who is a Acquapole Australasia Trainer and instructor at Parafield Gardens Swim School in South Australia said the AUSactive guidelines were fantastic for the aqua industry.

Wilmott noted “this is a fantastic initiative from AUSactive. There hasn’t been anything like this developed for the aqua industry before, we’ve always been the poor cousin! These guidelines will greatly help to establish our presence in the broader fitness industry and help to ensure greater consistency across all aqua facilities.

“Providing a set guideline for the right skillset and qualifications standards will help to streamline our offering. Aqua is an enjoyable alternative to land-based fitness and for many of our clients, it’s the only option to them to keep active.”

Aqua industry expert and consultant, Jennifer Schembri-Portelli went on to state “safety, compliance, programming and technical aptitude was at the forefront in developing the guidelines. When facilities work together with the skilled instructor the result is that of customer satisfaction to an inclusive and diverse market.”

The Aqua Exercise Instructor Guidelines cover:

• Qualifications, Education and Competency
• Risk Management
• Planning, Programming and Delivering

Click here to view other AUSactive health and fitness industry standards, guidelines or policies.

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