NZQA registered unit standard
27710 version 1
Page 1 of 4
Title
Instruct an Aqua fitness class
Level
3
Credits
9
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate
knowledge of aquatic exercise environments, their benefits and
limitations; and instruct an Aqua fitness classes.
Classification
Fitness > Group Fitness Instruction
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
1
Definitions
Exercise Technique is how an exercise task is done including the form the body
takes when doing that exercise.
Organisational requirements in an aquatic facility refer to the operations manual or
documented normal operating procedure at an aquatic facility which sets out the way in
which the facility will operate on a day-to-day basis.
2
All activities must be consistent with the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.
3
Deep water Aqua fitness movements must be assessed during classes in water
depth of more than 1.8m or a depth where participants are not able to touch the
bottom of the pool.
4
Chest deep Aqua fitness exercises must be assessed during classes taught in water
depth of 1.1-1.4m.
5
Assessment of this unit standard must occur in a body of water that is supervised by
a currently qualified pool lifeguard (holding the Pool Lifeguard Practicing Certificate
or the National Pool Lifeguard Award).
6
The candidate must be assessed instructing a class of at least five participants for a
minimum of 45 minutes.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of aquatic exercise environments, their benefits and limitations.
Range
chest deep aqua fitness classes or deep water Aqua fitness classes
a minimum of one is required.
Skills Active Aotearoa Limited
SSB Code 101576
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
27710 version 1
Page 2 of 4
Evidence requirements
1.1
The physical properties of water as an exercise medium are described in terms
of resistance, buoyancy, relative density, and hydrostatic pressure.
1.2
The physiological and biomechanical effects of immersion in water are
described in terms of heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, heat conductance,
and energy expenditure.
1.3
Methods for modifying the body’s resistance in water are explained and
demonstrated using examples.
Range
1.4
The differences between water-based exercise and land-based exercise are
explained in terms of resistance, buoyancy, relative density, and hydrostatic
pressure.
Range
1.5
impact, muscle balance, energy expenditure, movement
speed/control, range of motion, muscle soreness, strength
development, endurance, posture, and barriers to effective
instruction.
The roles and responsibilities of an aqua fitness instructor are described
according to the organisational requirements of the aquatic facility.
Range
1.6
inertia, acceleration, speed, lever length, range of motion, surface
area presented to water (such as hand position), travelling, current
generation and use.
must include but is not limited to – lifeguard responsibilities (for
example hazard identification, supervision, rescues), owners and
management responsibilities (for example level of supervision and
patrol, hazard management), pool maintenance staff
responsibilities (hazard identification, hazard management, water
quality testing), aqua fitness instructors responsibilities (for
example class management – pre-screen, participant monitoring
and instruction).
Methods with which to screen participants, and contra-indications to look for are
implemented according to the organisational requirements of the aquatic facility.
Range
pre-exercise screen.
Skills Active Aotearoa Limited
SSB Code 101576
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
27710 version 1
Page 3 of 4
Outcome 2
Instruct an Aqua fitness class.
Range
chest deep aqua fitness classes or deep water aqua fitness classes;
a minimum of one is required.
exercise techniques must include aqua jogging and at least six other aqua
fitness moves.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The equipment used in Aqua fitness classes is described in terms of its
purpose, application, safety, maintenance and storage according to the
organisational requirements of the aquatic facility.
2.2
The exercise techniques used in Aqua fitness classes are described and safely
and effectively demonstrated in accordance with the class plan.
Range
2.3
the muscle groups used, the exercise purpose, and key technique
points.
Exercise progressions are described and safely and effectively demonstrated
through instruction for each of the exercise techniques described in evidence
requirement 2.2 in accordance with the class plan.
Range
2.4
must include at least two exercise progressions for each exercise
technique from the following methods – speed, travelling,
resistance, complexity.
Stretches and stretching movements used in Aqua fitness classes are
described and demonstrated through instruction in terms of their purpose,
execution and application in accordance with the class plan.
Range
stretches or stretching movements must include but is not limited
to movements for the following – quadriceps, hip flexors,
hamstrings, chest and upper back.
Replacement information
This unit standard replaced unit standard 22778 and unit
standard 22779.
Planned review date
31 December 2017
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
Skills Active Aotearoa Limited
SSB Code 101576
17 May 2012
N/A
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
27710 version 1
Page 4 of 4
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0099
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact Skills Active Aotearoa Limited info@skillsactive.org.nz if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Skills Active Aotearoa Limited
SSB Code 101576
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016