Fitness Australia launches dedicated Aqua Exercise Instructor registration

Fitness Australia has advised that it has created an independent registration category for Aqua Exercise Instructors allowing members that meet the registration requirements to have this registration category listed on the Australian Register of Exercise Professionals public register.

In consultation with Royal Life Saving Society - Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia, Skills IQ, Aqua Exercise Instructors, aquatic facility business management and registered training organisations, the development of a ‘skills set’ will enable qualified Aqua Exercise Instructors (AEIs) to register in an independent registration category with Fitness Australia to ensure the needs of AEIs continue to be met Australia wide.

Advising the introduction of the new registration category was part of the organisation’s focus on expanding its industry leadership, relevance and value to more professionals who deliver vital exercise services to all parts of the community, Fitness Australia Chief Executive, Barrie Elvish explained “Aqua Exercise Instructors now have their own independent registration category with Fitness Australia, and we are thrilled to welcome these new members into our network. AEIs will now be listed independently on the Australia Register of Exercise Professionals, providing them with their own classification and recognition.

“Like all other Fitness Australia registration categories, the AEI holds exclusive international portability with many other countries. In addition, there will be a larger pool of ongoing professional development opportunities to support these new members through our CEC approved courses.”

Aqua Fitness Instructor and education provider, Dom Gili from Aqua Fitness Online said the new registration category with Fitness Australia was an important breakthrough for the industry, stating “the new dedicated registration category with Fitness Australia is a huge step forward for the industry and for Aquatic Exercise Instructors in their own right, as it recognises and legitimises the important contribution AEIs provides the community.

“It clearly defines the role of the AEI for all the industry, employers and managers. The new skill set and category provide employers, club managers and Group fitness managers with information and guidelines, something that has been greatly lacking until now.

“The new category will also mean the number of registered AEIs can be clearly tracked and help to create a newfound feeling of community, inclusiveness and a renewed sense of leadership from Fitness Australia. We are very grateful for Fitness Australia’s commitment and support.”

Gili went on to say “aqua exercise provided a vital exercise option to the community, particularly for special population groups that are unable to exercise in any other environment.

“Aqua exercise is a challenging and inclusive form of fitness for all abilities. The water offers a low impact supportive environment with multidirectional resistance to improve strength and challenge cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory health. Beyond the many physical benefits, the water exercise also provides social functioning and improvement in mental health for all age groups and fitness levels.

“The benefits for all, of healthy ageing and the impact it has on their quality of life is immeasurable. The issues associated with ageing such as isolation and poor health can be addressed with group fitness activities and the water lends itself to a more welcoming, relaxed, and inclusive environment than many other genres.”

Like all other Fitness Australia registration categories, the registered Aqua Exercise Instructors will hold exclusive international portability with many other countries that are members of the International Confederation of Registered Exercise Professionals.

The registration requirements include providing a transcript (record of results) of units of competencies completed, including all the following units of competency from Certificate III in Fitness (or equivalent):

• HLTWHS001 - Participate in workplace health and safety.

• SISCAQU002 - Perform basic water rescues

• SISFFIT022 - Instruct aquatic sessions for specific population groups

• SISFFIT008 - Instruct water-based fitness activities

• SISFFIT004 - Incorporate anatomy and physiology principles into fitness programming

• HLTAID009 - Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation

• HLTAID011 - Provide first aid

In a statement, Fitness Australia advise “Fitness Australia looks forward to embracing new members who provide such a valuable exercise service to support the health and wellbeing of the Australian community.”

For more information call 1300 211 311 or go to www.fitness.org.au/members/registration_simplified/start/REP

Images: Aquatic exercise class (top, the credit: The Y NSW) and Dom Gili from Aqua Fitness Online (below: credit: Aqua Fitness Online).