Which safety measure should an instructor always follow during aquatic classes?

Conducting a pre-class assessment of participant abilities and health conditions is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of aquatic exercise sessions. This assessment allows the instructor to understand each participant’s unique needs, limitations, and health concerns, which is especially important when working with individuals who have arthritis or other joint issues.

By knowing the participants' abilities and health status, the instructor can tailor the exercises to suit each person, ensuring that everyone can participate safely and effectively. This individualized approach helps to prevent injuries and promotes a positive experience in the class, as participants are more likely to engage in activities that are appropriately challenging yet safe for their conditions.

In contrast, assuming all participants are at the same level or allowing unsupervised swimming can lead to risks and potential harm. Similarly, encouraging high-intensity workouts without modifications overlooks the varying physical capacities of participants, which could result in injury or decreased participation rates. By prioritizing assessments, instructors create a safer, more inclusive environment.