Aquatic Physical Literacy: Key to Safer, Healthier Time in and on the Water

Physical literacy is a term applied to  the confidence, competence, motivation, and understanding to move well and stay active for life.

At its core, it helps people want to be active, feel able to be active, and stay active in ways that enrich their lives.

“Moving well” is important because:

• Physical health — Movement keeps the heart, muscles, bones, and joints functioning properly. Without it, the body weakens.

• Brain and mental health — Movement boosts mood, reduces stress, sharpens thinking, and supports emotional regulation.

   

• Development and learning — For children, movement is how they learn coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and problem‑solving.

   

• Energy regulation — Movement helps regulate sleep, appetite, hormones, and metabolism.

   

• Independence and daily living — Walking, lifting, bending, reaching — movement allows us to function in everyday life.

• Social connection — Many forms of movement involve play, teamwork, communication, and community.

   

• Longevity and ageing well — Staying active preserves mobility, reduces disease risk, and maintains quality of life as we age.

Aquatic Physical Literacy applies the same principles to water-based environments.

Being on the Water has Major Benefits Compared to Land Based Activities

Aquatic environments offer distinct advantages over land‑based physical activity — especially for people seeking safe, low‑impact, confidence‑building movement.

• Low‑impact movement — Water reduces joint load by up to 90%, making movement easier for people with arthritis, injuries, or mobility challenges.

• Improved balance and stability — Buoyancy supports the body, allowing safe practice of balance skills without the fear of falling.

• Natural resistance training — Water provides constant, multidirectional resistance, improving strength and endurance without heavy loads.

• Enhanced confidence — The supportive environment reduces fear of injury, helping people attempt movements they avoid on land.

• Accessible for all ages — Children, adults, and older people can participate together, each at their own level.

• Cooling and comfortable — Water reduces overheating, making longer or more intense sessions possible.

• Social connection — Pools and aquatic classes naturally foster interaction, teamwork, and community.

• Mental wellbeing — Being in or near water supports relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances mood — a key link to blue‑health research.

• Safe progression for beginners — Buoyancy allows people to learn new skills gradually, without the impact or intimidation of land‑based exercise.

Why Do We Need Aquatic Physical Literacy?

Many people are frightened of the water.  They may also lack the skills, confidence, or understanding needed to participate safely in water environments.

Aquatic physical literacy helps address:

• Drowning risk

• Fear or discomfort in water

• Low participation in aquatic activity

• Limited understanding of water safety

• Barriers to lifelong aquatic recreation

It empowers people to enjoy water safely, confidently, and independently.

Why It Matters for Both Children and Adults

Children

For children, aquatic physical literacy builds early confidence and competence. It helps them:

• Develop foundational movement skills

• Build positive attitudes toward water

• Learn safety behaviours

• Engage in play, exploration, and social interaction

Early aquatic experiences shape lifelong comfort and participation.

Adults

Aquatic physical literacy is equally important for adults—often for different reasons. Adults may face:

• Reduced mobility or balance

• Fear of water due to limited childhood exposure

• Chronic pain or health conditions

• Social isolation

• Increased drowning risk, especially in open water

Aquatic environments offer low‑impact, accessible movement that supports physical health, confidence, and social connection.

Strengthening aquatic physical literacy helps adults stay active, safe, and engaged throughout life.

How Watersports Instructors Support Aquatic Physical Literacy

Watersports instructors play a vital role in developing aquatic physical literacy across all ages. They help people build technical skills in activities like surfing, kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding, while also supporting confidence, motivation, and safe decision‑making.

Instructors contribute by:

• Creating positive, enjoyable learning experiences

• Teaching hazard awareness and safe behaviours

• Adapting activities to different ages and abilities

• Encouraging social interaction and teamwork

• Helping participants overcome fear and build trust in water

Their guidance connects foundational aquatic skills with real‑world participation, making aquatic activity more accessible and meaningful.

Research

Dora Carola is a leading researcher in aquatic safety. Her second paper of the doctoral thesis, entitled, "Integrating Physical Literacy Into Blue Physical Activity Promotion, Drowning Prevention and Aquatic Education," has now been published in Quest. 

Read the research here: Full article: Integrating Physical Literacy Into Blue Physical Activity Promotion, Drowning Prevention and Aquatic Education

About ASI
ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.  Established in 2003, with our head office in Bondi Beach, Sydney Australia, ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, international career opportunities and adventure.