List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify client fitness requirements. | 1.1 Consider and confirm client needs, expectations and preferences using suitable questioning techniques. 1.2 Review and advise client of outcomes of pre-exercise health screening procedures. 1.3 Refer client to medical or allied health professionals as required. 1.4 Assess suitability of pool environment for participants and development strategies to maximise participant safety and enjoyment. 1.5 Explain benefits of aquatic exercise and identify potential barriers to participation. 1.6 Develop and document client profile for re-evaluation. |
2. Develop aquatic exercise plan and program. | 2.1 Determine type of aquatic training methods and equipment required to achieve client goals. 2.2 Develop and document program plans that incorporate key instructional information. 2.3 Incorporate guidance/advice from medical or allied health professionals into the provision of fitness advice/or planning of aquatic instruction. 2.4 Develop customised training sessions that include a variety of aquatic exercises and equipment to meet needs and characteristics of client. |
3. Conduct aquatic session. | 3.1 Allocate sufficient space, assemble resources and check equipment for safety and maintenance requirements. 3.2 Provide clear exercise instructions and confirm client understanding. 3.3 Demonstrate exercises, techniques and equipment to client. 3.4 Monitor participation and performance to identify signs of exercise intolerance and modify as required. 3.5 Provide movement pattern alternatives for participants that present with limited water familiarisation, mobility or ability in an aquatic environment. 3.6 Monitor client technique and safety within appropriate hydrodynamic principles, and modify as required. 3.7 Seek ongoing guidance from, or refer client to, medical or allied health professionals, as appropriate. 3.8 Select and use communication techniques that encourage and support clients. 3.9 Respond to clients experiencing difficulties and answer questions as required. 3.10 Complete session documentation and progress notes. |
4. Evaluate program. | 4.1 Monitor and evaluate exercise program at appropriate intervals. 4.2 Provide written and verbal feedback to medical or allied health professionals, as required. 4.3 Request and respond to feedback from clients. 4.4 Review own performance and identify areas needing improvement. 4.5 Identify aspects needing further emphasis or attention in future sessions. 4.6 Evaluate program or activities and discuss modifications to program. 4.7 Document and update records of evaluation and modification of programs. |
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
plan, document, implement and evaluate suitable aquatic exercise programs within scope of practice for specific population clients:
five clients that don’t require guidance or instruction provided by medical or allied health professionals
five clients in response to guidance or instruction provided by medical or allied health professionals
conduct aquatic sessions that individually or cumulatively incorporate:
appropriate selection and monitoring of client use of a range of water-based fitness equipment
demonstration, explanation, and instruction of exercises
injury prevention strategies specific to client needs and program
suitable order and sequence of activities
session components that target the needs and goals of the individual
suitable duration, intensity, volume
ongoing clear and constructive feedback to clients and, where required, medical or allied health professionals
use of evidence based exercise adherence strategies specific to the population groups
safe and effective instructional techniques in water-based fitness:
formations
instructor preservation techniques
visual and verbal cueing
mirror imagine
emulating water movements
anchored and weighted movements
active and energetic movements
propulsion or turbulent actions
suspended movements in deep or shallow water
efficient learning curves
appropriate teaching positioning in regards to clients, pool and deck, sound system and sun glare
clear and encouraging instructions
modify programs for clients, addressing at least three of the following:
technical requirements
changing needs due to fitness adaptations
changing goals
client needs, objectives, likes and dislikes
technical difficulty adjustments of exercises
medical or allied health professional feedback.
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
legislation and regulatory requirements in regards to:
work health and safety/occupational health and safety
duty of care
organisational policies and procedures to ensure safety of clients and other facility users in regards to:
overcrowding
ventilation
hygiene
climate control
energy
standards of personal presentation
swimwear and pool footwear
use, care and maintenance of pool equipment
properties of water:
mass
density
viscosity
hydrostatic pressure
forces that act upon the body in water:
buoyancy
resistance
turbulence
propulsion
inertia
industry endorsed client pre-exercise health screening processes
industry endorsed risk stratification procedures, exercise implications and referral requirements for:
low-risk clients
moderate risk clients
higher risk clients
when there are extreme or multiple risk factors present and professional judgement to decide whether further medical advice is required identification of clients at high or higher risk of an adverse event occurring during exercise
physical activity and exercise intensity and frequency guidelines
common barrier to exercise participation
contraindications and precautions that may affect water based participation
participant cultural and social differences and potential impacts of participation
precautions to exercise relevant to the specific population in accordance with industry guidelines where applicable
benefits versus risk of participation
situations where cessation of exercise program is required, this may include but is not limited to:
chest pain at rest or during activity
severe breathlessness/feeling faint/dizziness/loss of balance
unusual fatigue or shortness of breath
asthma aggravation/attack
significant muscle, bone or joint pain (beyond what is normally expected during exercise)
a situation whereby the fitness professional makes a judgement that continuing the session is beyond their professional capabilities and scope of practice, and could potentially compromise client health and safety
signs and symptoms of poor exercise tolerance or unstable condition
role of medical or allied health professionals for referral processes:
accredited exercise physiologist
accredited practising dietician
chiropractor
continence nurse advisor
general practitioner
occupational therapist
osteopath
physiotherapist
podiatrist
psychologist
remedial massage therapist
sports doctor
sports physician
typical anatomical and physiological considerations for the following specific population groups:
children
women
older adults
clients with a disability
CALD groups
appropriate management for signs and symptoms of intolerance or an unstable condition:
cease or modify exercise
refer to a medical or allied health professional
call an ambulance if required
potential or actual effect of the condition on exercise behaviour
exercise adherence strategies. instructional strategies appropriate to risk status for participant group to enable effective and safe conduct of aquatic activities:
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
best practice principles of aquatic activities
effective teaching strategies appropriate to specific population group:
breaking tasks into smaller activities
directive
guided discovery
multi-sensory
positive reinforcement
repeating instructions
visual, verbal, aural and tactile.
Skills must be demonstrated in:
an industry workplace or simulated environment that offers aquatic services and facilities suitable for specific population clients.
Assessment must ensure use of:
an industry workplace with the appropriate environmental features:
indoor or outdoor swimming pool in a controlled environment
swimming pool entry and exit points
wet decks
ramps
steps
bulk heads
surface of pool and concourse
pool floor gradient
water temperature
railings
chemical additives
ambient temperature
safety equipment relevant to local regulatory and organisational policies and procedures
a variety of equipment appropriate for use in water by specific population clients
industry endorsed risk stratification procedures
session plan templates with space to identify modifications/adjustments needed
appropriate organisational documentation and resources such as equipment checklists and session plan templates
specific population clients and medical or allied health professionals for referral processes; these can be:
clients, and medical or allied health professionals in the workplace, or
individuals who participate in project activities, role plays or simulated activities, set up for the purpose of assessment, within a training organisation.
Assessment must ensure access to:
documentation such as manufacturer specifications for equipment use and maintenance
legislation, best practice principles, and organisational policies and procedures in relation to aquatic activities.
Assessment activities that allow the individual to:
develop a variety of aquatic exercise programs for specific population clients over a period of time, ensuring adequate time to allow for the implementation of required modifications
demonstrate the ability to instruct a variety of water based fitness sessions:
using industry realistic timeframes
catering for:
beginners, intermediate and advanced participants
low and high impact
taking into consideration:
participant characteristics, specific population conditions and functional ability
participant goals
depth of water
fitness and ability of participant
water safety and awareness.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors, and:
have at least 2 years consecutive industry experience in the application of the skills and knowledge of this unit.