Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:13 AM AWST
23/07/2026 2:13 AM 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.
Implement inclusive aquatic activities for specific population groups
Implement inclusive aquatic activities for specific population groups
Unit of competency
National Code
SISFFIT422A
SISFFIT422A
State Code
D6238
D6238
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/02/2012
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
21/02/2012
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to plan and deliver safe and effective aquatic sessions for independent participants and those supported by a caregiver. This unit does not cover the provision of hydrotherapy.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan the aquatic session.
- 1.1. Identify specific population (participant) groups common to using the aquatic environment requiring modification to aquatic activities.
- 1.2. Identify participant goals and medical conditions in consultation with participant, caregivers and health professionals as appropriate.
- 1.3. Identify potential risk status that may be experienced by participant and or group.
- 1.4. Apply a recognised risk stratification process to the clients' information and identify and assess suitability of environmental features according to the needs of the participant group.
- 1.5. Address any unsuitable environmental features according to organisational policies and procedures and legislation and regulatory requirements.
- 1.6. Determine appropriate teaching strategies according to the needs and characteristics of participants.
2. Design and prepare for an appropriate aquatic session.
- 2.1. Develop the session plan according to the needs and characteristics of participants, principles of movement in water, organisational policies and procedures and legislation and regulatory requirements.
- 2.2. Create a checklist for the aquatic session and identify any potential barriers to participation including basic water basic water assistance.
- 2.3. Consider the properties of water and the movement skill of participant.
- 2.4. Communicate potential risk status to participants, caregivers and provide advice on appropriate responses.
- 2.5. Advise participants and caregivers of the location and appropriate use of resources and amenities.
3. Conduct activities.
- 3.1. Greet participants in a positive manner and inform them of the purpose of the session. Provide guidance on potential movement response initiated from water principles.
- 3.2. Display expertise in selecting and leading appropriate exercise for participant group.
- 3.3. Demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of selected exercise equipment.
- 3.4. Provide clear and accurate information and demonstrations to participants and caregivers during the aquatic session.
- 3.5. Apply appropriate hydrodynamic principles to result in appropriately modified exercise technique.
- 3.6. Provide the appropriate type and level of support according to the principles of movement in water to the specific population participating in the aquatic activity.
- 3.7. Monitor participant's response and adjust or refine the activity or support provided as required.
- 3.8. Assess aquatic session to determine implementation of basic non contact water assistance
4. Review the session.
- 4.1. Respond to participant and caregiver concerns, feedback and questions as required according to best practice principles of aquatic activities.
- 4.2. Identify resources and aspects needing further emphasis, attention or intervention in future sessions and report according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 4.3. Review own performance and identify areas needing improvement and appropriate strategies as required.
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.
Goals may include:
improved functional capacity
social interaction
improved fitness elements
increased cardiovascular fitness
improved self esteem.
relaxation techniques
endorphin release.
Participant characteristic may include:
aged
frail
active
autistic spectrum disorders
cultural and linguistically diverse
intellectual impairment
physical disability
neurological condition
mobility limitations
mental health issues
medical conditions
musculoskeletal condition
pregnancy
hearing or sight impairment
sensory disability.
Caregivers may include:
parents
guardians
integration aids
therapists
volunteers
friends
partners
family member.
Health professionals may include:
physiotherapist
exercise physiologist
general practitioner
diversional therapist
rehabilitation therapist
personal trainer
occupational therapist.
Environmental features may include:
indoor and outdoor swimming pool
swimming pool entry and exit points
wet decks
ramps
steps
scum gutters
bulk heads
surface of pool and concourse
pool floor gradient
water temperature
railings
depth
available water space
chemical additives
ambient temperature.
Principles of movement in water may include:
buoyancy
flotation
hydrostatic pressure
propulsion
lift
drag
turbulence
acceleration
resistance
balance and stability metacentric.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
Occupational Health and Safety:
emergency responses
risk analysis of activities
inspection of designated pool area prior to use
safe and appropriate dress
personal hygiene requirements
sun safety guidelines
hydration guidelines
reporting responsibilities
managing hoist
communication protocols
Swimming Teachers Code of Conduct policy
appropriate swimwear, pool-deck attire and personal protective equipment
consideration of other facility users.
Legislation and regulatory requirements 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
Risk Status may include:
shortness of breath
impaired breathing or swallowing
tightness in the chest
dizziness
tiredness or weakness
seizures
loss of symmetry resulting in rolling to one side in a horizontal position
loss of symmetry resulting in leaning to one side in a vertical position
limited head and breath control
difficulty with vertical rotation
poor concentration
slowed responses
poor memory
limited communication verbal and aural
low frustration tolerance
sight and or hearing impaired
inappropriate social behaviour.
Teaching strategies may include:
visual and or verbal and or aural and or tactile communication
multi-sensory
guided discovery
repeating instructions
breaking tasks into smaller activities
positive reinforcement
directive.
Session plan may include:
water familiarisation
deep water activities
one on one exercise session
aqua exercises
balance and stability techniques
strength and resistance
relaxation and wellness session
emergency plan
non-contact rescue techniques
duration
rest components
required warm up and cool down
Basic water assistance may include:
non-swimming assistance techniques
reach
throw
wade
call for assistance from lifeguard or industry recognised employer.
Resources may include:
flotation devices
access to first aid facilities and equipment
resistance devices
accessible change room
change table
hoists, slings and wet chairs
pool safety equipment as listed in state or territory Occupational Health and Safety requirements for pools
ratio of participant to trainer
Safe support techniques in water may include:
independent
hands on torso
hands to hands
back hold in vertical or horizontal positions
short arm hold
cradling
carry hold
hip hold
prone hold
prone side hold.
Feedback may include:
verbal
written
visual
tactile.
Best practice principles of aquatic activities may include:
accepted preventative practice adopted throughout the aquatic industry to minimise safety hazards, risks or environmental impacts
Swimming Teachers Code of Conduct policy
national activity organisation regulations and guidelines
relevant national, state or territory or local government regulations and guidelines
employer organisation's policies and procedures
the culture of swimming and water safety
current and past good practice demonstrated by self or peers in the same or similar situation.
Appropriate strategies may include:
formal training
mentoring
peer support.
Goals may include:
improved functional capacity
social interaction
improved fitness elements
increased cardiovascular fitness
improved self esteem.
relaxation techniques
endorphin release.
Participant characteristic may include:
aged
frail
active
autistic spectrum disorders
cultural and linguistically diverse
intellectual impairment
physical disability
neurological condition
mobility limitations
mental health issues
medical conditions
musculoskeletal condition
pregnancy
hearing or sight impairment
sensory disability.
Caregivers may include:
parents
guardians
integration aids
therapists
volunteers
friends
partners
family member.
Health professionals may include:
physiotherapist
exercise physiologist
general practitioner
diversional therapist
rehabilitation therapist
personal trainer
occupational therapist.
Environmental features may include:
indoor and outdoor swimming pool
swimming pool entry and exit points
wet decks
ramps
steps
scum gutters
bulk heads
surface of pool and concourse
pool floor gradient
water temperature
railings
depth
available water space
chemical additives
ambient temperature.
Principles of movement in water may include:
buoyancy
flotation
hydrostatic pressure
propulsion
lift
drag
turbulence
acceleration
resistance
balance and stability metacentric.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
Occupational Health and Safety:
emergency responses
risk analysis of activities
inspection of designated pool area prior to use
safe and appropriate dress
personal hygiene requirements
sun safety guidelines
hydration guidelines
reporting responsibilities
managing hoist
communication protocols
Swimming Teachers Code of Conduct policy
appropriate swimwear, pool-deck attire and personal protective equipment
consideration of other facility users.
Legislation and regulatory requirements 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
Risk Status may include:
shortness of breath
impaired breathing or swallowing
tightness in the chest
dizziness
tiredness or weakness
seizures
loss of symmetry resulting in rolling to one side in a horizontal position
loss of symmetry resulting in leaning to one side in a vertical position
limited head and breath control
difficulty with vertical rotation
poor concentration
slowed responses
poor memory
limited communication verbal and aural
low frustration tolerance
sight and or hearing impaired
inappropriate social behaviour.
Teaching strategies may include:
visual and or verbal and or aural and or tactile communication
multi-sensory
guided discovery
repeating instructions
breaking tasks into smaller activities
positive reinforcement
directive.
Session plan may include:
water familiarisation
deep water activities
one on one exercise session
aqua exercises
balance and stability techniques
strength and resistance
relaxation and wellness session
emergency plan
non-contact rescue techniques
duration
rest components
required warm up and cool down
Basic water assistance may include:
non-swimming assistance techniques
reach
throw
wade
call for assistance from lifeguard or industry recognised employer.
Resources may include:
flotation devices
access to first aid facilities and equipment
resistance devices
accessible change room
change table
hoists, slings and wet chairs
pool safety equipment as listed in state or territory Occupational Health and Safety requirements for pools
ratio of participant to trainer
Safe support techniques in water may include:
independent
hands on torso
hands to hands
back hold in vertical or horizontal positions
short arm hold
cradling
carry hold
hip hold
prone hold
prone side hold.
Feedback may include:
verbal
written
visual
tactile.
Best practice principles of aquatic activities may include:
accepted preventative practice adopted throughout the aquatic industry to minimise safety hazards, risks or environmental impacts
Swimming Teachers Code of Conduct policy
national activity organisation regulations and guidelines
relevant national, state or territory or local government regulations and guidelines
employer organisation's policies and procedures
the culture of swimming and water safety
current and past good practice demonstrated by self or peers in the same or similar situation.
Appropriate strategies may include:
formal training
mentoring
peer support.
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:
assesses participants' goals to develop and deliver safe and effective aquatic activities according to the principles of movement in water
uses, monitors and modifies effective teaching strategies appropriate to specific population group to deliver multiple sessions that are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of goal orientated performance
perform basic non contact water rescue according to best practice principles of aquatic activities
demonstrates appropriate manner, empathy and promotes inclusive participation when working with a group
applies all organisational policies and procedures and legislation and regulatory requirements to ensure safety of participants, self and other facility users as appropriate.
responds to participant feedback and reviews own performance, session outcome and addresses any areas requiring modification or improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a swimming pool or confined natural shallow water venue
safety equipment relevant to local regulatory and organisational requirements
appropriate participant equipment
clients from varying or specific population group and their caregivers.
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 modifying safe and effective aquatic activities for participants from specific population groups, including the use of appropriate communication with participants and care givers
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the implications for aquatics activities for participants from a specific population group
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the principles of movement in water and their relationship to safe and effective exercise for a range of specific population groups
portfolio of participation, self and peer evaluations, session plans
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISCAQU202A Perform basic water rescues
SISCAQU307A Perform advanced water rescues
SISFFIT421A Plan and deliver personal training
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
assesses participants' goals to develop and deliver safe and effective aquatic activities according to the principles of movement in water
uses, monitors and modifies effective teaching strategies appropriate to specific population group to deliver multiple sessions that are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of goal orientated performance
perform basic non contact water rescue according to best practice principles of aquatic activities
demonstrates appropriate manner, empathy and promotes inclusive participation when working with a group
applies all organisational policies and procedures and legislation and regulatory requirements to ensure safety of participants, self and other facility users as appropriate.
responds to participant feedback and reviews own performance, session outcome and addresses any areas requiring modification or improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a swimming pool or confined natural shallow water venue
safety equipment relevant to local regulatory and organisational requirements
appropriate participant equipment
clients from varying or specific population group and their caregivers.
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 modifying safe and effective aquatic activities for participants from specific population groups, including the use of appropriate communication with participants and care givers
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the implications for aquatics activities for participants from a specific population group
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the principles of movement in water and their relationship to safe and effective exercise for a range of specific population groups
portfolio of participation, self and peer evaluations, session plans
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISCAQU202A Perform basic water rescues
SISCAQU307A Perform advanced water rescues
SISFFIT421A Plan and deliver personal training
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVD42 | SISFFIT022 | Instruct aquatic sessions for specific population groups | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D438 | SIS40210 | Certificate IV in Fitness | Qualification |