Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:58 PM AWST
22/07/2026 2:58 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Plan and deliver water based fitness activities
Plan and deliver water based fitness activities
Unit of competency
National Code
SISFFIT310A
SISFFIT310A
State Code
D6226
D6226
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/02/2014
Field of Education
092103 - Sports Coaching, Officiating And Instruction
Original Release Date
14/02/2014
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, knowledge and skills required to plan, deliver and evaluate water based fitness activities for mainstream clients. It requires the application of effective aquatic instructional techniques and the application of the hydrodynamic principles on muscles, joints and cardiorespiratory system to ensure safe and effective fitness outcomes for clients.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine needs.
- 1.1. Identify the characteristics of the participant group and clarify their short and long term fitness goals.
- 1.2. Screen clients for health status and water familiarisation according to legislation and regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.3. Recommend clients seek advice from medical or allied health professionals to clarify any concerns or conditions which may affect safe participation in an aquatic environment.
- 1.4. Determine the instructional techniques appropriate to the participant group.
2. Develop the session plan.
- 2.1. Identify a suitable range of water based fitness activities according to the identified needs of the participant group.
- 2.2. Analyse site aspects and pool design and identify issues which impact on the conduct of activities.
- 2.3. Select and sequence appropriate specific purpose aqua activities for the participant group.
- 2.4. Select appropriate participant equipment and ensure it is in good working order.
- 2.5. Allocate sufficient pool space and prepare instructor and safety resources for the session according to legislation and regulatory requirements, organisational policies and procedures and conditions and external influences.
- 2.6. Prepare a session plan and where appropriate incorporate a music mapping sheet.
- 2.7. Use energy, water and other resources effectively when planning, preparing and maintaining equipment and activity areas to reduce environmental impact.
3. Develop a water based circuit training session plan.
- 3.1. Identify the aims of the circuit training session.
- 3.2. Define expected outcomes of the circuit training session.
- 3.3. Identify a broad and varied exercise repertoire.
- 3.4. Plan and document a circuit training session plan using the principles of exercise planning.
- 3.5. Design clear and structured forms or cards for use in a circuit training session.
4. Deliver water based fitness activities including circuit sessions.
- 4.1. Explain common types of injuries that would prevent participation and confirm that clients are not affected.
- 4.2. Demonstrate water familiarisation techniques and skills to assist clients as required.
- 4.3. Show sensitivity to cultural and social differences.
- 4.4. Conduct activities according to best practice principles of aquatic activities.
- 4.5. Demonstrate water based fitness activities using appropriate instructional techniques and provide explanations of the functionality of the activities to clients.
- 4.6. Demonstrate and instruct correct use of equipment during water based fitness sessions, according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer's instructions.
- 4.7. Recognise signs and symptoms of overtraining and potentially harmful practices and implement appropriate intervention strategies according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 4.8. Emulate water movement patterns when instructing from pool deck.
- 4.9. Incorporate, where appropriate, the effective use of music.
5. Monitor, evaluate and modify the session.
- 5.1. Monitor exercise intensity, technique and safety of clients during the session and address difficulties as required according to participant responses.
- 5.2. Recognise the signs and signals of a participant in difficulty and provide basic water assistance according to accepted best practice principles.
- 5.3. Apply appropriate motivational techniques to encourage clients and make any required modifications to activities.
- 5.4. Seek and acknowledge feedback from clients on the effectiveness of the water based fitness session.
- 5.5. Evaluate own performance according to planned outcomes and organisational policies and procedures.
- 5.6. Identify aspects needing further emphasis and attention in future sessions.
- 5.7. Identify modifications to future sessions in response to feedback and review of participant progress.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Characteristics of the participant group may include:
age
gender
culture
physical fitness
body type and composition
water familiarisation
Legislation and regulatory requirements may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
duty of care
working with children
copyright and licensing
industry registration.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
duty of care
privacy
anti-discrimination
copyright
licensing
child protection
trade practices
consumer protection
environmental
business registration and licences
facility users.
Medical or allied health professionals may include:
sports physician
sports doctor
general practitioner
physiotherapist
accredited exercise physiologist
occupational therapist
remedial massage therapist
chiropractor
osteopath
accredited practising dietician
psychologist
aboriginal health worker
diabetes educator
podiatrist.
Concerns or conditions may include:
chronic disease state
medical condition or injury
prescribed medication
dependent upon assistance to enter and exit the pool.
Instructional techniques may include:
formations
instructor preservation
visual and verbal cueing
mirror imaging
emulating water movements
anchored or weighted movement
active or energetic movement
propulsion or turbulent actions
suspended movements in deep or shallow water
efficient learning curves
establishing rapport
communication
teaching positioning:
in the water
on pool deck
in relation to clients, sound system, sun glare
encouragement
motivation
voice clarity
pitch
non-verbal.
Water-based fitness activities may include:
interval
circuit
drills
exercises
games
choreographed sessions to music
deep water session
equipment based.
Session plan may include
participant characteristic
goals
formations
exercises
music
phases.
Identified needs may include:
sports, respiratory and muscle conditioning
resistance training
flexibility, mobility and coordination
social and enjoyment.
Water Properties may include:
mass
density
viscosity
hydrostatic pressure.
Forces that act upon the body in water may include:
buoyancy
resistance
turbulence
propulsion
inertia.
Site and pool design may include:
change rooms, toilets and showers
participant and instructor storage cupboard
pool deck seating, towel hooks and surface
pool surface
gradient
pool temperature
location of steps or ladders
pool depths
rails
wall surface and ledge
lane ropes.
Specific purpose aqua activities may include:
fitness
balance and coordination
drills
fun and aquatic games
social
movement functionality.
Client Equipment may include:
kickboards
flotation belts and vests
flippers
balls
dumbbells
paddles
webbed gloves
noodles, woggles, cookies, wafers and kick rollers
resistance bands
clothing and sun protection
ankle cuffs
shoes
water-resistant heart rate monitors and stop watches.
Conditions and external influences may include:
weather conditions
angle of sun-glare or sun protection
other facility users
spectators
noise levels
turbulence or eddy from users.
Signs and signals may include:
call for help
muscle cramp
dizziness
localised pain.
Instructor and Safety Resources may include:
ropes
reach poles
flotation devices
whistle
ratio of instructors and or equipment to clients.
access to hydration
non slip pool deck instructor mat
instructor aqua frame
microphone
circuit breaker power cord
sound system
circuit card holders
equipment storage.
Music may include:
motivational
themed
phrased, unphrased
cultural
beats per minute
selection should consider copyright and legal procedures.
Water familiarisation skills may include:
entering and exiting the pool
ability to remain balanced and stable in moving water
aquatic exercise familiarity
movements in a variety of depths of water
water safety awareness.
Basic water assistance may include:
non-swimming assistance techniques
reach
throw
wade
call for assistance from lifeguard or industry recognised employer.
Cultural and social differences may include:
modes of greeting, farewelling and conversation
body language, including use of body gestures
formality of language
clothing.
Best practice principles of aquatic activities may include:
accepted preventative practice adopted throughout the aquatic industry to minimise safety hazards and risks
Instructors Code of Conduct policies developed by the peak bodies responsible for the teaching of swimming and water safety such as AUSTSWIM Incorporated, Australian Swimming Incorporated, Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association, The Royal Life Saving Society Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, and Sports Medicine Australia
national activity organisation regulations and guidelines.
Motivational techniques may include:
arousal theories and control techniques
zone of optimal function.
Feedback may include:
verbal
written
visual
tactile.
Aims may include:
competition or performance targets
self improvement
fitness targets
lifestyle adjustments.
Exercise repertoire may include:
cardio
strength and conditioning
flexibility.
Circuit training session plan may include:
phases of:
preparation
conditioning
recovery
adaptation
rest intervals
required equipment
floor plan for equipment arrangement.
Principles of exercise planning may include:
frequency
intensity
duration
movement
environment
program type.
Common types of injuries may include:
muscle or soft tissue injury
back injury
heart condition.
Potentially harmful practices may include:
hyperextension
exercising while sick or in extremes of temperature
multiple repetitions
ballistic movements
spinal hyperextension
straight leg sit-ups
lever length
additional equipment.
Intervention strategies may include:
stopping or modifying the exercise
modifying equipment.
Characteristics of the participant group may include:
age
gender
culture
physical fitness
body type and composition
water familiarisation
Legislation and regulatory requirements may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
duty of care
working with children
copyright and licensing
industry registration.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
duty of care
privacy
anti-discrimination
copyright
licensing
child protection
trade practices
consumer protection
environmental
business registration and licences
facility users.
Medical or allied health professionals may include:
sports physician
sports doctor
general practitioner
physiotherapist
accredited exercise physiologist
occupational therapist
remedial massage therapist
chiropractor
osteopath
accredited practising dietician
psychologist
aboriginal health worker
diabetes educator
podiatrist.
Concerns or conditions may include:
chronic disease state
medical condition or injury
prescribed medication
dependent upon assistance to enter and exit the pool.
Instructional techniques may include:
formations
instructor preservation
visual and verbal cueing
mirror imaging
emulating water movements
anchored or weighted movement
active or energetic movement
propulsion or turbulent actions
suspended movements in deep or shallow water
efficient learning curves
establishing rapport
communication
teaching positioning:
in the water
on pool deck
in relation to clients, sound system, sun glare
encouragement
motivation
voice clarity
pitch
non-verbal.
Water-based fitness activities may include:
interval
circuit
drills
exercises
games
choreographed sessions to music
deep water session
equipment based.
Session plan may include
participant characteristic
goals
formations
exercises
music
phases.
Identified needs may include:
sports, respiratory and muscle conditioning
resistance training
flexibility, mobility and coordination
social and enjoyment.
Water Properties may include:
mass
density
viscosity
hydrostatic pressure.
Forces that act upon the body in water may include:
buoyancy
resistance
turbulence
propulsion
inertia.
Site and pool design may include:
change rooms, toilets and showers
participant and instructor storage cupboard
pool deck seating, towel hooks and surface
pool surface
gradient
pool temperature
location of steps or ladders
pool depths
rails
wall surface and ledge
lane ropes.
Specific purpose aqua activities may include:
fitness
balance and coordination
drills
fun and aquatic games
social
movement functionality.
Client Equipment may include:
kickboards
flotation belts and vests
flippers
balls
dumbbells
paddles
webbed gloves
noodles, woggles, cookies, wafers and kick rollers
resistance bands
clothing and sun protection
ankle cuffs
shoes
water-resistant heart rate monitors and stop watches.
Conditions and external influences may include:
weather conditions
angle of sun-glare or sun protection
other facility users
spectators
noise levels
turbulence or eddy from users.
Signs and signals may include:
call for help
muscle cramp
dizziness
localised pain.
Instructor and Safety Resources may include:
ropes
reach poles
flotation devices
whistle
ratio of instructors and or equipment to clients.
access to hydration
non slip pool deck instructor mat
instructor aqua frame
microphone
circuit breaker power cord
sound system
circuit card holders
equipment storage.
Music may include:
motivational
themed
phrased, unphrased
cultural
beats per minute
selection should consider copyright and legal procedures.
Water familiarisation skills may include:
entering and exiting the pool
ability to remain balanced and stable in moving water
aquatic exercise familiarity
movements in a variety of depths of water
water safety awareness.
Basic water assistance may include:
non-swimming assistance techniques
reach
throw
wade
call for assistance from lifeguard or industry recognised employer.
Cultural and social differences may include:
modes of greeting, farewelling and conversation
body language, including use of body gestures
formality of language
clothing.
Best practice principles of aquatic activities may include:
accepted preventative practice adopted throughout the aquatic industry to minimise safety hazards and risks
Instructors Code of Conduct policies developed by the peak bodies responsible for the teaching of swimming and water safety such as AUSTSWIM Incorporated, Australian Swimming Incorporated, Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association, The Royal Life Saving Society Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, and Sports Medicine Australia
national activity organisation regulations and guidelines.
Motivational techniques may include:
arousal theories and control techniques
zone of optimal function.
Feedback may include:
verbal
written
visual
tactile.
Aims may include:
competition or performance targets
self improvement
fitness targets
lifestyle adjustments.
Exercise repertoire may include:
cardio
strength and conditioning
flexibility.
Circuit training session plan may include:
phases of:
preparation
conditioning
recovery
adaptation
rest intervals
required equipment
floor plan for equipment arrangement.
Principles of exercise planning may include:
frequency
intensity
duration
movement
environment
program type.
Common types of injuries may include:
muscle or soft tissue injury
back injury
heart condition.
Potentially harmful practices may include:
hyperextension
exercising while sick or in extremes of temperature
multiple repetitions
ballistic movements
spinal hyperextension
straight leg sit-ups
lever length
additional equipment.
Intervention strategies may include:
stopping or modifying the exercise
modifying equipment.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans, explains, demonstrates and conducts activities for multiple water based fitness sessions that are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance whilst in the water and on pool deck
monitors clients and provides feedback and intervention to improve individual skill performance as appropriate
modifies instructional methods, styles and activities on an individual and group basis to enhance skill development as required
addresses cultural needs in planning and instruction of water based fitness sessions
plans circuit sessions with interrelated components, monitors the progress of the session and applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that may arise during the session, such as equipment failure or client overtraining, and makes adjustments
identifies common signs and signals of a participant experiencing difficulties in the water based fitness session and promptly determines possible contributing factors and formulates a suitable assistance plan including referring to suitably qualified personnel
applies all organisational policies and procedures and legislation and regulatory requirements to ensure safety of clients and other facility users.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure planning and conducting activities for multiple participant groups of a size and nature that reflect current local and industry conditions.
Assessment must also ensure:
demonstration of skills within a facility with access to a suitable aquatic environment with appropriate depth, surfaces, entry, exit, water quality and temperature
access to appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace such as equipment checklists and session plan proformas
access to equipment for water based fitness activities
access to a safe pool deck including instructor and safety resources
access to documentation such as manufacturer specifications for equipment use
access to a range of clients with a range of fitness needs.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of instructing, monitoring and adjusting a range of water based fitness sessions appropriate to the needs and characteristics of a range of participant groups
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the application of the physiological and biomechanic adaptation for the safe planning, conduct and modification of safe and effective water based fitness activities
portfolio showing participation in, planning and delivery of multiple water based fitness activities for clients with differing characteristics and needs.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISCAQU202A Perform basic water rescues
SISAQU308A Instruct water familiarisation, buoyancy and mobility skills
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans, explains, demonstrates and conducts activities for multiple water based fitness sessions that are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance whilst in the water and on pool deck
monitors clients and provides feedback and intervention to improve individual skill performance as appropriate
modifies instructional methods, styles and activities on an individual and group basis to enhance skill development as required
addresses cultural needs in planning and instruction of water based fitness sessions
plans circuit sessions with interrelated components, monitors the progress of the session and applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that may arise during the session, such as equipment failure or client overtraining, and makes adjustments
identifies common signs and signals of a participant experiencing difficulties in the water based fitness session and promptly determines possible contributing factors and formulates a suitable assistance plan including referring to suitably qualified personnel
applies all organisational policies and procedures and legislation and regulatory requirements to ensure safety of clients and other facility users.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure planning and conducting activities for multiple participant groups of a size and nature that reflect current local and industry conditions.
Assessment must also ensure:
demonstration of skills within a facility with access to a suitable aquatic environment with appropriate depth, surfaces, entry, exit, water quality and temperature
access to appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace such as equipment checklists and session plan proformas
access to equipment for water based fitness activities
access to a safe pool deck including instructor and safety resources
access to documentation such as manufacturer specifications for equipment use
access to a range of clients with a range of fitness needs.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of instructing, monitoring and adjusting a range of water based fitness sessions appropriate to the needs and characteristics of a range of participant groups
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the application of the physiological and biomechanic adaptation for the safe planning, conduct and modification of safe and effective water based fitness activities
portfolio showing participation in, planning and delivery of multiple water based fitness activities for clients with differing characteristics and needs.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISCAQU202A Perform basic water rescues
SISAQU308A Instruct water familiarisation, buoyancy and mobility skills
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C7893 | SRFAQA001B | Instruct water based fitness classes for low risk clients | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVD54 | SISFFIT008 | Instruct water-based fitness activities | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J760 | SIS30313 | Certificate III in Fitness | Qualification |