Aquatics

Catalog Description:

The Certificate of Achievement in Aquatics offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide practical and theoretical training for students interested in careers in the Aquatics industry. In addition, this program offers lower-division theory courses to prepare the student for transfer to a four-year institution as a kinesiology major.

Program Student Learning Outcomes: 

Students who complete the Certificate of Achievement in Aquatics will be able to: 

• Apply core critical thinking skills of analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and explanation pertaining to the acquisition of aquatic skill development.
• Demonstrate effective and sensitive verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate effective professional and ethical behaviors in providing aquatic services.

Assessment:

Student assessment is through a combination of performance evaluations, skills assessment, written assignments, and written tests and quizzes. 

Program Prerequisite Skills/Enrollment Limitations: 

Students will be required to demonstrate Red Cross required swimming skills as part of the EXSC 118 Lifeguard Training course and EXSC 119 Water Safety Instructor. Student are able to develop these skills as part of the EXSC 113 course sequence. No additional entry criteria are required and the selection process complies with California Code of regulations, Title 5, Section 58106.

Career Technical Education (CTE): 

• Lifeguard
• Water Safety Instructor
• Swimming Instructor
• Stand Up Paddle Board Instructor
• Kayak Instructor
• Pool Supervisor
• Aquatics Manager
• Aquatics Group Fitness Instructor

Transfer: 

• Kinesiology

High Unit/Accrediting and/or Licensing Standards:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
• American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certification

 Currently, Mesa College averages 12 students each year completing the Lifeguard Training and Water Safety Instructor courses. We estimate that half of these students will continue their education with the Aquatics Certificate Program. Our outreach to SDUSD through San Diego Junior Lifeguards should produce 24 to 30 additional students in the future.

Program Goals: The Department of Exercise Science strongly advocates for the inclusion of a Certificate of Achievement in Aquatics. This program intends to serve students interested in employment in the field of Aquatics including Lifeguards, Swimming Pool attendants and instructors in water activities such as swimming, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking. The core curriculum provides an excellent foundation in water safety techniques, specific water sports skills, injury prevention, emergency response, communication, and business management. Students will be qualified for entry-level employment as Lifeguards, Swim Instructors and water sport-specific instructors. 

Objectives: 

1. Compare and contrast leadership theories.

2. Apply effective and ethical communication practices.

3. Identify practices used to avoid injuries in an aquatic environment.

4. Apply appropriate rescue and first-aid practices.

5. Demonstrate advanced water sport skills. 

San Diego is a vibrant city with many opportunities for water recreation. As a Community College in this city, San Diego Mesa College, is responsible for meeting employment challenges faced by businesses and organizations within the city. It has come to the attention of Mesa College that many job opportunities in the Aquatics area went unfilled this past year. It is obvious that San Diego needs a trained and motivated strong workforce in this area.

The Health and Exercise Science programs at San Diego Mesa College, with an emphasis on building necessary employment skills or four-year university transfer, has a long history of maintaining currency in these respective fields.  Faculty are professionally engaged beyond the college setting and provide students connections to the community. 

Currently, San Diego Mesa College offers an Associate of Arts/Science Degree in Kinesiology and a Certificate of Achievement in Personal Training. The Aquatics program will allow students to develop additional cutting edge skills in the Aquatic industries.

Units required for the certificate ranges from 19.5 - 21. Courses represented are in the following departments: Health Education, Exercise Science, Business, and Communication Studies.    

Courses Required for the Major

Select One Course from Business

Select One Course from Swimming