Purpose

The purpose of the Adapted Aquatics Instructor course is to train professionals to teach swimming and water safety skills to individuals with disabilities.  Adapted Aquatics Instructors are credentialed to teach participants with disabilities and the Adapted Aquatics Assistant course. A credential is a non-expiring document like a diploma that documents the successful acquisition of skills, knowledge, and attitudes related to adapted aquatics. As always, a certified lifeguard must be on deck with the sole responsibility of Lifeguarding during an adapted aquatics program. 

Prerequisites

It is the responsibility of the Master Teacher to verify and document all prerequisites.

The following prerequisites must be met prior to course enrollment:

·        Age 18+; Government issued ID proving age and identity

·        Current nationally recognized certification in teaching swimming (Red Cross, YMCA, Ellis & Associates, Swim America, or equivalent). Lifeguard Instructor, Scuba Instructor, or Coaching Certificates are not acceptable to meet this prerequisite).

·        Current first aid certificate from a nationally recognized organization or equivalent (ie, Current ARC Lifeguarding)

·        Current CPR certificate including infant, child, and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation  PLUS AED, from a nationally recognized organization (Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent)

·        Documented experience with individuals with disabilities (minimal 5 hours) for a weekend course

·        Strength sufficient enough to independently support a 125 lb. person in the water, and be part of a two person team to transfer same person in and out of a pool in an emergency.

Course Instructor:

                This course is taught by a Master Teacher of Adapted Aquatics.

Course Length

Minimum 20-24 hours. These hours include at least two of the three practica (which are explained in the sections below), assignments, and the exam. Excludes prerequisite 5 hours.

Course Text

Lepore, M., Gayle, G.W., & Stevens, S., (1998). Adapted Aquatics Programming: A Professional Guide. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. ISBN 0-88011-695-1. Each student must order his or her own book.

Upon successful completion of the Adapted Aquatics Instructor Course, AAPAR will send a materials packet related to conducting the Adapted Aquatics Assistant course to all those who pass the Adapted Aquatics Instructor Credential.

Course Fees                                              

1.  $225 per person  ($200 AAHPERD member)

                        OR

2.      $40 Credentialing fee ($20 for Adapted Aquatic Assistants)—For Workshops conducted in a College/University/ Agency setting and Instructor is paid by agency / institution, or a volunteer.

3.      The host has the option of adding additional fees to fees collected by AAPAR. 

Link  http://www.aahperd.org/aapar/programs/workshops/adaptedAquatics.cfm