Swim England Qualifications
Sign up for Aquatic Activity for Health courses in November
November 6, 2018 Latest NewsEarlier this year, Swim England launched the UK’s first qualification focusing on aquatic activity for health.
Aimed at fitness instructors who work with participants that have been referred by health professionals, the Level 3 Aquatic Activity for Health qualification provides training on how to support people in the pool.
The qualification was developed following research by Swim England’s Swimming and Health Commission, which showed the many positive benefits of exercising in the water.
With courses being delivered by the Institute of Swimming across the country in November, 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 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.”
Personalised options to exercise
The Level 3 Aquatic Activity for Health qualification is an add-on to the current Level 3 Exercise Referral qualification. 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.
Simon Stevens, head of Swim England Qualifications, said: “This qualification is aimed primarily at the existing gym workforce. The training gives fitness instructors the confidence to deliver what they do dry-side, in the water.
“As well as being a great opportunity for individuals to learn new skills, it also enables employers to use their team more effectively and offers individuals more personalised options to exercise.”
- Find out more about the Level 3 Aquatic Activity for Health course – and don’t forget to join the Swimming Qualifications Facebook group.