We are very excited to be delivering Swim England’s first qualification focused on aquatic activity for health.
The Institute of Swimming are happy to confirm we will be delivering Swim England’s first qualification focused on aquatic activity for health.
Swim England launched the qualification following research by their Swimming and Health Commission, which showed the positive benefits of exercising in water.
The qualification is aimed at dryside fitness instructors and provides training on how to support clients referred by health professionals in the pool.
Find out more about the qualification and book on to your nearest course on the Level 3 Aquatic Activity for Health page.
Elaine McNish, Head of Health and Wellbeing at Swim England, said: “Most people referred by their GP or health professional to fitness professionals are currently given gym-based exercises.
“This is fine for some, but for others, exercising in water can be far more effective.
“This new qualification gives fitness instructors greater knowledge about exercising in water, including the physiological effects and the best forms of exercise for a range of conditions with a focus on strength, balance and aerobic fitness.
“The water allows those with mobility difficulties to move more freely, at their own pace, and without putting excessive pressure on their joints.
“By understanding more about the unique benefits of water, fitness instructors will be able to create a much more tailored exercise offer, helping people to rehabilitate quicker or better-manage long-term health conditions.”
Created in partnership with Exact Training and with input from the Institute of Swimming and the Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, the qualification was developed with experienced trainers and piloted in six areas.
Lisa Welch, Health and Fitness Manager at Lutterworth Sports Centre, said: “I was a dry-side instructor so this area was new to me.
“This new qualification has helped us to adapt our scheme so that people now have a full workout plan that includes water.
“This will help us to hold a lot more group sessions that include equal amounts of time in the gym and in the pool.”
The Level 3 Aquatic Activity for Health qualification is an add-on to current Level 3 Exercise Referral qualifications.
The two-day course gives current GP referral instructors the knowledge and skills to deliver water-based exercises for people with a range of mild to moderate health conditions.
This CIMSPA-endorsed qualification awards 10 CPD points which fulfils CIMSPA CPD requirements for a whole membership year.