Aquatics & Leisure Activities

• Leisure is time spent on activities for enjoyment and relaxation, not related to work.
• Leisure is an essential part of human life.
• Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states everyone has the right to rest and leisure.

Aquatics Recreational Activity

• Aquatics refers to activities done in or on the water.
• Aquatic activities include fitness swimming, water aerobics, synchronized swimming, and kayaking.
• The Philippines has over 7,641 islands, boasting diverse water forms.
• Swimming pools are accessible in many cities.

Examples of Water-Based Recreational Activity

Swimming

• It is an individual or team racing sport using the entire body.
• Competitive swimming is a popular Olympic sport with events like butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, and individual medley.

Kayaking

• Kayaking uses a kayak to move across water.
• A kayak is a low boat similar to a canoe where the paddler sits facing forward, using a double-bladed paddle.

Surfing

• Surfing involves riding waves in an upright or prone position.
• Surfers catch waves and glide across the water's surface until the wave breaks.

Snorkeling

• Snorkeling is swimming in water using a diving mask, a snorkel, and swim fins.
• A wetsuit may be worn in cooler waters.

Water Aerobics

• Water aerobics involves aerobic exercise in water (e.g., a pool).
• It is performed vertically in waist-deep or deeper water, which provides resistance training.

Benefits of Water-Based Recreational Activity

• Water-based exercise helps people with chronic diseases; for those with arthritis, improves the use of affected joints without worsening symptoms.
• People with arthritis have more health improvements after hydrotherapy than with other activities.
• Improves the use of affected joints and decreases pain from osteoarthritis.
• Increases muscle strength and endurance.
• Relieves stress.
• Enhances self-confidence and self-worth.

Hazards of Water-Based Recreational Activity

• Water-based activities offer health benefits but also pose hazards and risks.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes these hazards as physical, microbial, and chemical.

Physical Hazards

• Public swimming pools can present physical hazards like drowning/near-drowning, fall impact injuries, and injuries from poorly maintained water circulation systems.
• The WHO estimates that 372,000 people worldwide die annually due to drowning.

Reducing and Preventing Hazards (Physical)

On drowning and injuries:

• Teach participants about the risks so that they follow safety protocols.
• Inform individuals about basic lifesaving and first aid.
• Encourage vigilant supervision.

Understand the importance of leisure time and explore various aquatic recreational activities. Learn about swimming and kayaking as popular water-based options, their techniques, and benefits.