CRITICAL REVIEW OF AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

A Critical Review of Aquatic Activities

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Swimming1

The Different Components under Aquatics2

1.Life saving / Personal Survival2

2.Breaststroke2

3.Backstroke2

4.Water Based Fitness Programme2

Life Saving and Personal Survival2

Test for Becoming A Certified Lifeguard4

Breaststroke Swimming4

Backstroke Swimming6

Water Based Fitness Activities8

Types of Water based Fitness Activities9

1.Aqua Boxing / Aqua Drill9

2.Aquarobics9

3.Aqua Jogging / Aqua Running10

4.Aqua Walking10

5.Aquastep10

6.Aqua Dancing / Aquarhythmic11

7.Aqua-Relaxing / Aqua Balancing / Aqua Shiatsu11

8.Aqua Fat Burning11

9.Hydro-Power / Aqua Power11

10.Aqua Ball12

11.Conditional Water Aerobics12

Incorporation of Swimming in Educational Institutions12

References13

A Critical Review of Aquatic Activities

Introduction

Aquatic activities include water based activities and sports played in water. Most of the aquatic activities are considered to be recreational. In today's fast paced world of increased awareness on physical activity; aquatic activities have become quite common. Water based sports and games are considered to be vital for the physical development of children and hence are becoming common in schools. An increased awareness on the benefits of aquatic activities i.e. swimming has led to the adoption of such sports in primary and secondary schools (Egan, 2005, pp. 67).

Presently, with the introduction of swimming pools in schools and its incorporation in school based activities, aquatic activities have become a vital component in children's education. Swimming is considered to be a complete physical exercise and is supposed to aid the overall development of the human body. It has emerged as a vital component in providing children with a fulfilling experience and a quality physical and mental activity (Chatard, 2002, pp.510). Hence, aquatic activities have become quite popular among youngsters and serves as a good form of exercise and entertainment.

Swimming

Swimming is considered to be one of the healthiest sports. It is primarily because of the physical activities associated with it; and the profound effects it has on the human body. The natural element of water is quite dense than air. Hence, every movement under water requires more efforts and poses increased resistance onto the body. The natural slow movement of the body under water drastically reduces the risk of injuries; compared to other ground sports. At the same time, the natural resistance requires more physical commitment from the person and consistently increases the metabolic rate of the body resulting in a strenuous workout and loss of calories (Miljenko, 2007, pp. 78).

Swimming is a complete body exercise and engages all the major muscle groups of the body. In addition, it also improves the cardiovascular performance of the body by ensuring a consistent flow of blood to and from the heart. Similarly, the functions of lungs also improve and people are able to breathe easily. Regular swimming has a positive effect on the lung volume i.e. capacity of the lungs to hold air which leads to a regular breathing pattern (Nairne et al., 2009, pp. 90).

The Different Components under Aquatics

Four major subjects fall under the aquatics programme. They include backstroke, breaststroke, free style swimming and water based swimming programmes:

Life saving / Personal Survival

Breaststroke

Backstroke

Water Based Fitness Programme

Life Saving and Personal Survival

Life saving is an important water based activity and includes both ...