Guidance: Aqua Aerobics

GUIDANCE

What is aqua aerobics? 

Aqua aerobics (waterobics, aquarobics, aquatic fitness, aquafitness, aquafit) is the performance of aerobic exercise in water, usually in a swimming pool. 

Variations on popular land-based classes have been developed for in-water classes, such as aqua jog, aqua cycle/spin, and FloatFit. 

What hazards are associated with aqua fitness sessions? 

The following hazards are commonly associated with aqua fitness sessions: 

• Submersion in water
• Slipping due to standing water or contamination in pedestrian walkways
• Tripping over objects in pedestrian walkways
• Contact with electricity
• Health events triggered by exercise
• Ingestion of a foreign object by babies and very young children

How to conduct aqua aerobics classes safely? 

Practical steps can be taken to deliver safe aqua aerobic classes, including: 

• Ensure that third parties do not bring unsuitable electrical items onto the poolside (HSG179:2018, para 215). 
• Use competent instructors to deliver or supervise the delivery of sessions by trainee instructors. 
• Procure suitable electrical equipment to be used around the poolside (HSG179:2018, para 213).
• Benchmark processes for managing equipment against relevant industry guidance such as EN 13451-1 to 11. 
• Provide constant poolside supervision from the pool surround using a competent instructor and/or lifeguard. 
• Quarantine unsuitable, damaged or unsafe equipment to prevent its use and arrange for repair by a competent person or its disposal. 
• Use a health commitment statement and/or proportionate screening of health conditions and recommendations from a medical professional to ensure participants are safe for participation in the activity
• Provide competent first aiders to respond to incidents and provide pre-hospital care should they occur. 

References

HSE. 2018. Health and Safety in Swimming Pools. HSG179, version 4. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg179.htm accessed 29 July 2022. 

EN 15288-2. 2018. Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 Safety requirements for operation. Available at: https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/swimming-pools-for-public-use-safety-requirements-for-operation accessed 29 July 2022.  

Firth, A. 2021. Improving the industry's health commitment statement for everyone. UK Active, 23 April. Available at: https://www.ukactive.com/journal/improving-the-industrys-health-commitment-statement-for-everyone/ accessed 29 July 2022. 

Citation: Jacklin, D. 2022. Guidance on aqua aerobics sessions. Water Incident Research Hub, 29 July.