AQUATIC ACTIVITIES

The term “Aquatic Activities” covers all water sports plus swimming, and
can be defined as motor activities performed in water for purposes that
may be utilitarian, competitive, educational, therapeutic, or
recreational.

EXAMPLES

Water Skiing- Water skiing (also waterskiing or water-skiing) is

a surface water sport in which an individual is pulled behind a boat or
a cable ski installation over a body of water, skimming the surface on two
skis or one ski. The sport requires sufficient area on a smooth stretch of
water, one or two skis, a tow boat with tow rope, three people
(depending on state boating laws), and a personal flotation device. In
addition, the skier must have adequate upper and lower body strength,
muscular endurance, and good balance.

Surfing- Surfing is a surface water sport in which the wave rider,

referred to as a surfer, rides on the forward or deep face of a
moving wave, which is usually carrying the surfer towards the shore.
Waves suitable for surfing are primarily found in the ocean, but can also
be found in lakes or in rivers in the form of a standing wave or tidal bore.
However, surfers can also utilize artificial waves such as those from boat
wakes and the waves created in artificial wave pools.
Scuba Diving- Scuba diving is a mode of underwater diving where the
diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) which
is completely independent of surface supply, to breathe underwater.

Snorkeling - Snorkeling involves observing the underwater depths with

the aid of a diving mask, a snorkel and, usually, swimfins. It generally
takes place in shallow water, where you can watch undersea life from the
surface of the water.
Snorkeling allows people to observe underwater life over a long period
while generally making only a limited physical effort.
Water Polo- Water polo, sport played in a swimming pool by teams of
seven with a buoyant ball resembling an association football (soccer ball).
The game was originally called “football-in-the-water,” and indeed it is
more like association football and basketball than polo, the name of the
sport coming from an earlier form of the game in which players rode
barrels painted like horses and struck the ball with sticks. The aim of the
game is to score a goal by throwing or dribbling the ball between the
goalposts and under the crossbar of the defenders’ goal.
Diving- Diving is the sport of jumping or
falling into water from
a platform or springboard, usually while
performing acrobatics. Diving is an
internationally recognized sport that is
part of the Olympic Games. In addition,
unstructured and non-competitive diving
is a recreational pastime.

Swimming- Swimming is an individual or team sport that requires the use

of ones arms and legs to move the body through water. The sport takes
place in pools or open water (e.g., in a sea or lake).
Sculling- Sculling is the use of oars to propel a boat by moving the oars
through the water on both sides of the craft, or moving a single oar over
the stern. By extension, the oars themselves are often referred to
as sculls when used in this manner, and the boat itself may be referred to
as a scull.

Safety Precautions in Doing Aquatic Activities

Each year the number of participants involved in water sports is
increasing and therefore, the chances of accidents occurring also
increase. Every participant must be able to realize the potential hazards
involved in water sports and must prepare themselves in advance so that
potential dangerous situations can be avoided.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a survey,
and according to a 2005 report, more than 4,000 deaths were reported
during different kinds of water sports activities that year.
So it is important to know basic safety guidelines associated with
water activities that will help participants in different kind of water
sports to take certain safety measure(s) before and during the time of
their activity near and in the water.
1. Knowledge of Basic Swimming Skills- You should take swimming
lessons, and know basic swimming skills. If you are not a good
swimmer, then be sure to wear appropriate safety gear, and be
with people who have good swimming skills. Knowing how to swim
helps you to feel more comfortable in the water, and decreases
your chances of drowning.

2. Wear Life Jacket Properly- Wear your life jacket, life vest, or
other flotation type devices properly. Make sure the vest or jacket
is the right size - it should be a good fit - and is properly secured. A
life jacket or vest will keep you afloat while waiting for assistance.
Even with a life jacket, don't take chances. Rough water or seas can
still be problematic for any person even on the surface of the
water. Certain water sports require that you wear a personal
flotation device (PFD or life jacket. If you are on a quality inflatable
tube, such as Sportsstuff towables, in addition to a life jacket, be
sure to also use or have the other products for your safety and
enjoyment. The same is true with skiing, windsurfing,
wakeboarding, riding on a jet ski, or even kayaking. Wear at life
jacket or vest that protects you, and yet lets you enjoy the fun. If
you are renting water sports equipment, you'll find that a life jacket
is standard for participation.

3. Look After One Another- Always have a “buddy” out on the water,
and be on the lookout for each other. When you are on the boat,
there should also be a person ( a “Spotter”) who is watching out for
other people in the water, such as persons swimming, snorkelers or
on rafts. Even when you are fishing, and may enjoy the solitude, it’s
best to have someone with you. If you are going out in the water
alone, be sure to tell someone beforehand so that they know where
to find you, if something goes wrong.

4. Supervision of Children- Children love to join in on the fun with

water activities, and it’s a great learning time for them also. Yet
we know that most kids think very little about the dangers involved
in water sports. To be safe, children under 16 years of age should
be supervised the whole time during their participation in water
sports. Be sure to have a first aid kit and other safety supplies
around in case they have a minor injury.
5. Plenty of Water and Sunscreen Protection- While we are thinking
about children, make sure they drink lots or water and wear a
strong sunscreen. If fact, the same applies to you! When we are
participating in water sports activities, we are constantly in the sun
(we all hope for sunny days when we are outside). This constant
sunlight dehydrates our body, and will burn our skin as well. So be
sure to drink plenty of water, and properly protect yourself from
the direct rays of sunlight. Use a good quality sunscreen lotion or
cream to avoid sunburns. Follow the instructions on the initial
application, and then re-apply as needed.

6. Know Proper Use of Equipment- If you are on a boat, you should

have basic knowledge of safety equipment and how to use it. If you
are properly trained in this respect, then it is an added advantage
for you during your participation. Types of safety equipment can
include extra life jackets, life preservers, radios, GPS devices,
mobile phones, fire extinguisher, first aid kits, tool kit, water proof
whistles or horns or flares. Be sure that all safety equipment and
supplies are safely stored while out on the water. They need to be
out of the way, and yet easy to access if ever needed. The last
thing you want is to trip and fall over a safety item! Keep things
stored and secured.

7. Always Pre-Plan Your Activities- Plan everything before getting

started, as it helps you to be well prepared, and then minimizes
what you need to thinking about during your water events. Even
those sharing in the fun should have an idea of the schedule, and
activities, and time to return to the dock or shore. This includes
making sure everyone is fully aware of basic knowledge of safety
rules and procedures, as mentioned above.

8. Be Alert of Weather- Since we are hoping for sunny days, we are

probably checking the weather forecast. As with any water event,
we should always be aware of the weather conditions and
conditions of the lake or sea. During your participation, keep a
watchful eye on any changes in the weather. If there is a change,
make sure you have enough time to reach the shore or dock safely.
 It’s best to avoid staying out in rough water, since it is
unpredictable, and could create dangerous situations.

9. Prohibit Alchoholic Drinks- Keep yourself, your family, your

friends, and your children safe during water sports activities by
following these helpful water sports safety guidelines. Take the
time to get prepared, and have the right equipment, supplies, and
attitude so that you can enjoy a great day at the beach or lake!

Health Benefits
Water sports are very popular not only because of the
adrenaline-rush, while getting tanned and toned, but also
because of several health benefits. In most cases, water sports
are done outdoors where you get to breathe in fresh air and be
one with nature. It lifts your spirit up, sets you in a good mood
and keeps you refreshingly energized! And if you are a more
health-conscious person, you will be glad to know of the
following added health benefits that water sports offer:

1. Decrease Risk for Chronic Disease

Water sports are a great form of exercise because it works
almost every part of your body, helping you burn calories the
natural way. It increases your metabolism and thus your fluid
intake and appetite, which in turn helps you avoid binge eating.
It helps you stay healthy and energized that improves immunity
against chronic diseases.

2. Decreases Risk for Diabetes and Chronic Heart Disease

People with diabetes and chronic heart disease will need a lot of
lifestyle changes to keep their overall health in check. Water
sports or even just simply floating on water and doing some light
exercises will help lower stress levels and keep you relaxed,
which is good for the heart and the body in general.
3. Beneficial for People with Arthritis
The fluidity of water is gentle and naturally soothing to achy
joints. Water activities like snorkeling and swimming will
facilitate the use of the affected joints without exacerbating
the symptoms. Hydrotherapy is a preferred treatment for people
suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

4. Improves Bone Density

Working out muscles on a treadmill may not be the best option
for older people and post-menopausal women. Water sports like
canoeing, water bikes, paddling and the like are a much
preferred form of exercise that helps increase bone density.

5. Enhances Mental Health

Like any other sports or form of exercise, water sports is good
for the body. Additionally, it is also good for the mind. The
tranquil quality of water reduces stress, anxiety and depression.
Swimming for instance has been proven to improve the mood in
both men and women.

Water sports are a great form of exercise because these

benefit both the body and mind. So for those who are ready to
take in the plunge and enjoy the refreshing waters, Boats4Rent
has great boat rentals for several water sports activities that
will give you a real good time.