Aquatics Hand Out

AQUATICS
- any type of activity that is done in bodies of water. Aquatics has

actually been a part of human living since then.
-made up of all sport activities in water (swimming, Water polo, diving
and synchronized swimming) this are events that take place in water and
have different rules.
Various Aquatic Activities
A. Swimming
Swimming is considered the

oldest form of aquatic activity.
Swimming is defined as the act
of propelling or carrying oneself
through water using the
different body parts.
B. Water Polo
Activity played in a pool with

two teams of seven opposing
players who attempt to score
points at the opposite goal
using a ball.
C. Surfing
A fun activity of riding through

breaking waves using a flat
board specially designed for
the activity.
D. Snorkeling
Snorkeling is peeking through
life underneath water by
swimming with the aid of a
snorkel and mask. Through
snorkeling, one can observe the
underwater attractions for a
longer period of time, without
the need to constantly
resurface to gasp for air, and
with relatively lesser effort.
E. Water Skiing
An activity wherein the person

is pulled by a boat or cable ski
skimming on the surface of the
water.
F. Canoeing
Inland touring is a purely

recreational aspect of canoeing
and involves a trip or journey
in your boat. Touring by boat
gives you the chance to slow
down and enjoy the scenery.
G. White-water Kayaking River running is the backbone

of recreational white water
paddling - it involves following
a river downstream in your
boat, negotiating any rapids
you come across.
Recreational Waters for Positive Health
 Buoyancy- It is the upward force of the water on an object. This is the

reason why boats and people float on water. It also gives a weightless
feeling, which makes it easier to move, lift knees or even jog in water.
 Hydrostatic Pressure- The pressure exerted by the water at

equilibrium due to the force of gravity. It is the weight of the water
pressed down on the object. Hydrostatic pressure is exerted on the
body from all sides and this pressure, combined with buoyancy, helps
keep standing balance in water.
 Enhance Cooling- Transfers heat away from the body much quickly
than air given in the same temperature. This is the reason we can
stay longer in water and can tolerate longer workouts without feeling
being overheated.
Hazards in Aquatic Recreational Activities

Water-based recreation, however, can expose people to a variety of
health risks, which vary according to the type of water, geographical location
and local conditions. These are linked to physical, microbial and chemical
hazards.
A. Physical Hazards
1. Drowning is one of the unequivocal
dangers of recreational water use. An estimated
400 000 people drown each year1. In children,
drowning is one of the leading causes of
accidental deaths.
Most cases of drowning are the result of
drinking alcohol or poor supervision. In seas
and rivers, tides and currents are also
important hazards and can cause even strong
swimmers to drown. In spas and pools,
drowning can result from hair or body parts
getting caught in inlets and outlets. The clarity of the water can also
be a factor. In murky water, people may not see that someone needs
help. Overcrowded swimming areas present a similar problem.
2. Water-based recreational activities can also result in a

variety of injuries. Diving or jumping into waters of unknown depth
can lead to serious injuries, including spinal injury, which may
ultimately result in paraplegia or quadriplegia.
3. Sun exposure is also one of the hazards in doing aquatic

activities. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as
little as 15 minutes. If constantly exposed under the sun for so long,
then there’ a higher chance of acquiring skin damage or worst, skin
cancer.
Reducing the risk of physical hazards.

 Educate children and adults about the risks of water activities,
including basic lifesaving and first aid techniques
 Supervise children and weak swimmers at all times in or near
to swimming areas and water bodies
 Teach children to swim
 Keep beaches clean
 Install fencing around pools
 Display warnings and water safety instructions
 Improve pool design for safety
 When possible, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts
can provide protection from UV rays. If wearing this type of
clothing isn’t practical, at least try to wear a T-shirt or a beach
cover-up. Keep in mind that a typical T-shirt has an SPF rating
lower than 15, so use other types of protection as well. A wet T-
shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker
colors may offer more protection than lighter colors.
 Wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your
face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric,
such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays.
Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker
hat may offer more UV protection.
 Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Most
sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet
this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because
they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.
 Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before
you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Don’t
forget to put a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin. Get help
for hard-to-reach places like your back. And remember,
sunscreen works best when combined with other options to
prevent UV damage. Be sure to reapply if you stay out in the
sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or
toweling off.
B. Microbial Hazards: Infections
Millions of liters
of raw or partially-
treated sewage are
pumped into seas every
day, polluting the
environment and
resulting in an
estimated 250 million
cases of bathing-related
gastroenteritis and
upper respiratory
disease each year. Pathogenic viruses and bacteria such as
Escherichia coli O157 are commonly found in untreated sewage,
rendering swimmers, surfers, and children, at risk from infection.
While the water quality in swimming pools and spas is
generally well-monitored, there may be outbreaks of disease due to
contamination. The majority of outbreaks are caused by viruses or
bacteria linked to contamination. An increasing number of infections
are associated with protozoa such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium,
which are resistant to commonly used pool disinfectants. Spas
present particular risks and require particularly stringent monitoring,
as the warm, nutrient-containing, aerobic waters provide an ideal
habitat for bacteria to proliferate.
Reducing the risk of microbial hazards

 Employ effective sewage discharge procedures
 Implement beach management and award schemes
 Set international norms, standards and limits for microbial
levels in seas, lakes and rivers
 Apply appropriate levels of chlorine or other disinfectants to
pools
 Empty, disinfect and clean pools, and filter pool water in cases
of accidental release
 Encourage pre-swim showering, toilet use and good hygienic
behavior at pools and spas
 Monitor pH, disinfectant levels and other parameters frequently
as part of a routine pool and spa maintenance schedule
 Clean spas and spa filters regularly.
C. Chemical Hazards
Chemical contamination of seas and rivers
arises principally from direct waste discharge (e.g.
industrial effluent) or chemical spills, and is
typically local or regional in nature. Chemicals
found in swimming pools and spas include those
related to water treatment (disinfectants and their
by-products), and those that come from swimmers
(soap residues, cosmetics, suntan oil).
Disinfectant by-products, such as chloroform, are
produced from chemical reactions between the
disinfectants and organic or inorganic material in
the water. Little is known about the adverse effects of exposure to
chemical contaminants, although there is concern about the possible
long-term toxicological effects.
Reducing the risk of microbial hazards

 Monitor and regulate industrial effluents
 Develop damage limitation action plans in the event of
chemical spills
 Ensure good ventilation in rooms housing pools and spas
 Encourage pre-swim showering and good hygienic practices
 Monitor pH, disinfectant levels and other parameters frequently
as part of a routine pool and spa maintenance schedule.

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AQUATICS

- any type of activity that is done in bodies of water. Aquatics has

Various Aquatic Activities

Swimming is considered the

Activity played in a pool with

A fun activity of riding through

An activity wherein the person

Inland touring is a purely

G. White-water Kayaking River running is the backbone

 Buoyancy- It is the upward force of the water on an object. This is the

 Hydrostatic Pressure- The pressure exerted by the water at

Hazards in Aquatic Recreational Activities

2. Water-based recreational activities can also result in a

3. Sun exposure is also one of the hazards in doing aquatic

Reducing the risk of physical hazards.

Reducing the risk of microbial hazards

Reducing the risk of microbial hazards

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