Aquatic Recreational Activities Course
Why this course?
The Recreational Aquatic Activities course
This course offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of fun and adventure on the water. You will learn the essential techniques and safety measures to fully enjoy sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling, exploring aquatic environments responsibly and sustainably. This program is designed for all levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts, and will provide you with the skills needed to practice these activities with confidence and safety.
Differentiating Advantages
- Certified Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience and knowledge in aquatic activities.
- High-Quality Equipment: Use modern and safe equipment for an optimal experience.
- Practical Approach: Participate in practical sessions in real aquatic environments to apply what you’ve learned.
- Environmental Awareness: Discover how to enjoy nature without compromising its conservation.
- Active Community: Join a group of people passionate about aquatic activities and share experiences.
- Modality: Online
- Level: Cursos
- Hours: 150 H
- Start date: 24-10-2026
Availability: 1 in stock
Who is it aimed at?
- Water and nature lovers looking to explore new ways to enjoy the sea, rivers, and lakes safely and responsibly.
- Leisure activity leaders, tour guides, and sports professionals wanting to expand their activity offerings and attract a wider audience.
- Families and groups of friends wanting to learn to practice water sports together and create unforgettable memories.
- Active tourism companies and leisure centers seeking qualified staff to offer unique and exciting experiences to their clients.
- People interested in the care of the marine and river environment wanting to learn how to minimize their impact on the ecosystem during their recreational activities.
Learning flexibility
Adapted to different levels and paces: interactive materials, practical exercises, personalized advice and access to an online community of enthusiasts.
Objectives and competencies
Develop basic swimming skills:
Maintaining efficient buoyancy, propulsion, and breathing in the water.
Apply safety techniques in aquatic environments:
Assess specific risks of the aquatic environment (currents, tides, weather conditions) and implement preventive measures adapted to each situation.
Demonstrate proficiency in handling aquatic equipment:
“Conduct thorough pre-use inspections, identify anomalies, and apply safety protocols.”
Promote respect for and conservation of the aquatic environment:
“Properly manage waste and prevent spills, complying with MARPOL regulations and company policies.”
Coordinate and lead group water games:
Encourage participation by adapting activities to the skills and needs of each participant and ensuring safety at all times.
Adapt aquatic activities to different ages and abilities:
Modify the intensity, duration, and complexity of the exercises, considering individual abilities and using adapted support materials.
Curriculum - Modules
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Fundamentals of Aquatic Safety: risks, prevention, and legislation.
- Aquatic Rescue Techniques: towing, extraction, and basic life support.
- First Aid in Aquatic Environments: treatment of common injuries and emergencies.
- Aquatic Safety Equipment: life jackets, buoys, ropes, and communication systems.
- Leading Aquatic Activities: games, sports, and recreational activities in the water.
- Planning and Organizing Safe Aquatic Activities: risk assessment, protocols, and resources.
- Communication and Leadership Techniques in Aquatic Environments: group management and conflict resolution.
- Adapting Aquatic Activities for Different Populations: children, adults, and people with disabilities.
- Food hygiene and safety in aquatic activities: food handling and disease prevention.
- Specific regulations for swimming pools, beaches, and other aquatic environments: local and national regulations.
‘
- Applicable legislation and regulations: aquatic safety, licenses, insurance.
- First aid and CPR: protocols, equipment, emergency response.
- Materials and equipment: types, maintenance, inspection, certification.
- Aquatic rescue techniques: rescue with and without equipment, towing.
- Emergency communication: alert systems, notification protocols, VHF.
- Human anatomy and physiology in the aquatic environment: adaptation, risks, pathologies.
- Psychology applied to teaching: motivation, learning styles, group management.
- Didactics of aquatic activities: planning, methodology, evaluation.
- Adaptation of Activities for different audiences: ages, abilities, special needs.
Risk prevention and safety in aquatic facilities: swimming pools, beaches, natural environments.
‘
- First aid in aquatic environments: CPR, airway obstruction, hypothermia, drowning
- Legislation and regulations applicable to aquatic activities (safety, licenses, insurance)
- Safety equipment: life jackets, lifebuoys, ropes, first aid kit
- Aquatic rescue techniques: approach, contact, towing, extraction
- Communication and signaling in aquatic environments (visual, acoustic, radio)
- Supervision and monitoring of aquatic activities: risk prevention, capacity control
- Adapting activities to different groups (age, abilities, special needs)
- Group dynamics and behavior management in aquatic activities
- Teaching Methodology in Aquatic Activities: Progression, Adaptation, Motivation
- Assessment of Learning in Aquatic Activities: Criteria, Instruments, Feedback
‘
- Legal framework for aquatic safety: national and international regulations.
- Risks in aquatic environments: identification, assessment, and prevention.
- Safety equipment: life jackets, lifebuoys, rescue boats, etc.
- First aid in the water: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), injury treatment.
- Aquatic rescue techniques: towing, rescue with and without equipment.
- Emergency communication: distress signals, use of radios and other devices.
- Hygiene and health in aquatic environments: prevention of waterborne diseases.
- Hazardous materials: identification, handling, and response to spills in water.
- Emergency planning: drills and action protocols.
- Rescue psychology: stress and anxiety management in emergency situations.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
Plan de estudio - Módulos
- Comprehensive Maritime Incident Management: protocols, roles, and chain of command for coordinated response
- Operational Planning and Execution: briefing, routes, weather windows, and go/no-go criteria
- Rapid Risk Assessment: criticality matrix, scene control, and decision-making under pressure
- Operational Communication: VHF/GMDSS, standardized reports, and inter-agency liaison
- Tactical Mobility and Safe Boarding: RHIB maneuvers, approach, mooring, and recovery
- Equipment and Technologies: PPE, signaling, satellite tracking, and field data logging
- Immediate Care of the Affected: primary assessment, hypothermia, trauma, and stabilization for evacuation
- Adverse Environmental Conditions: swell, Visibility, flows, and operational mitigation
Simulation and training: critical scenarios, use of VR/AR, and exercises with performance metrics
Documentation and continuous improvement: lessons learned, indicators (MTTA/MTTR), and SOP updates
- Fundamentals of Aquatic Safety: risks, prevention, and legislation.
- Aquatic Rescue Techniques: towing, extraction, and basic life support.
- First Aid in Aquatic Environments: treatment of common injuries and emergencies.
- Aquatic Safety Equipment: life jackets, buoys, ropes, and communication systems.
- Leading Aquatic Activities: games, sports, and recreational activities in the water.
- Planning and Organizing Safe Aquatic Activities: risk assessment, protocols, and resources.
- Communication and Leadership Techniques in Aquatic Environments: group management and conflict resolution.
- Adapting Aquatic Activities for Different Populations: children, adults, and people with disabilities.
- Food hygiene and safety in aquatic activities: food handling and disease prevention.
- Specific regulations for swimming pools, beaches, and other aquatic environments: local and national regulations.
‘
- Applicable legislation and regulations: aquatic safety, licenses, insurance.
- First aid and CPR: protocols, equipment, emergency response.
- Materials and equipment: types, maintenance, inspection, certification.
- Aquatic rescue techniques: rescue with and without equipment, towing.
- Emergency communication: alert systems, notification protocols, VHF.
- Human anatomy and physiology in the aquatic environment: adaptation, risks, pathologies.
- Psychology applied to teaching: motivation, learning styles, group management.
- Didactics of aquatic activities: planning, methodology, evaluation.
- Adaptation of Activities for different audiences: ages, abilities, special needs.
Risk prevention and safety in aquatic facilities: swimming pools, beaches, natural environments.
‘
- First aid in aquatic environments: CPR, airway obstruction, hypothermia, drowning
- Legislation and regulations applicable to aquatic activities (safety, licenses, insurance)
- Safety equipment: life jackets, lifebuoys, ropes, first aid kit
- Aquatic rescue techniques: approach, contact, towing, extraction
- Communication and signaling in aquatic environments (visual, acoustic, radio)
- Supervision and monitoring of aquatic activities: risk prevention, capacity control
- Adapting activities to different groups (age, abilities, special needs)
- Group dynamics and behavior management in aquatic activities
- Teaching Methodology in Aquatic Activities: Progression, Adaptation, Motivation
- Assessment of Learning in Aquatic Activities: Criteria, Instruments, Feedback
‘
- Legal framework for aquatic safety: national and international regulations.
- Risks in aquatic environments: identification, assessment, and prevention.
- Safety equipment: life jackets, lifebuoys, rescue boats, etc.
- First aid in the water: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), injury treatment.
- Aquatic rescue techniques: towing, rescue with and without equipment.
- Emergency communication: distress signals, use of radios and other devices.
- Hygiene and health in aquatic environments: prevention of waterborne diseases.
- Hazardous materials: identification, handling, and response to spills in water.
- Emergency planning: drills and action protocols.
- Rescue psychology: stress and anxiety management in emergency situations.
‘
- System Architecture and Components: Structural design, materials, and subsystems (mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid) with selection and assembly criteria for marine environments
- Fundamentals and Principles of Operation: Physical and engineering foundations (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electricity, control, and materials) that explain performance and operating limits
- Safety and Environmental (SHE): Risk analysis, PPE, LOTO, hazardous atmospheres, spill and waste management, and emergency response plans
- Applicable Regulations and Standards: IMO/ISO/IEC requirements and local regulations;
- Conformance criteria, certification, and best practices for operation and maintenance
- Inspection, testing, and diagnostics: Visual/dimensional inspection, functional testing, data analysis, and predictive techniques (vibration, thermography, fluid analysis) to identify root causes
- Preventive and predictive maintenance: Hourly/cycle/seasonal plans, lubrication, adjustments, calibrations, consumable replacement, post-service verification, and operational reliability
- Instrumentation, tools, and metrology: Measuring and testing equipment, diagnostic software, calibration and traceability; selection criteria, safe use, and storage
- Onboard integration and interfaces: Mechanical, electrical, fluid, and data compatibility; Sealing and watertightness, EMC/EMI, corrosion protection, and interoperability testing.
Quality, acceptance testing, and commissioning: process and materials control, FAT/SAT, bench and sea trials, go/no-go criteria, and evidence documentation.
Technical documentation and integrated practice: logs, checklists, reports, and a complete case study (safety → diagnosis → intervention → verification → report) applicable to any system.
- Legal Framework and Regulations for Recreational Aquatic Activities: Current legislation, responsibilities, and insurance.
- First Aid in Aquatic Environments: Aquatic rescue, CPR, management of common injuries (sprains, dislocations, wounds).
- Safety in Aquatic Facilities: Safe design, signage, risk prevention, access control.
- Swimming and Rescue Techniques: Adapted swimming styles, towing, and victim transport.
- Specific Recreational Aquatic Activities: Paddle surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and recreational diving (safety and techniques).
- Adaptation of Activities for Different Groups: Children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
- Teaching Methodology in the
- Water: Pedagogical principles, didactic progression, motivation, and reinforcement.
- Communication and Group Dynamics: Effective communication skills, group management, conflict resolution.
- Planning and Organization of Activities: Session design, risk assessment, resource management.
- Evaluation and Adaptation of Programs: Progress monitoring, feedback, continuous improvement.
‘
- Introduction to swimming: styles, basic techniques, and safety
- Physiology of exercise in water: cardiovascular and respiratory adaptation
- Equipment and materials: types, correct use, and maintenance
- Aquatic rescue techniques: reach, throw, tow
- First aid in the water: CPR, airway obstruction, hypothermia
- Safety in aquatic facilities: swimming pools, water parks, beaches
- Legislation and regulations: aquatic safety, civil liability
- Prevention of aquatic accidents: risk identification and preventive measures
- Communication and teamwork in aquatic environments
- Risk assessment and aquatic emergency plans
‘
- First aid in the water: CPR, airway obstruction, hypothermia, secondary drowning
- Current legislation and regulations in swimming pools and aquatic facilities
- Human anatomy and physiology applied to aquatic activities
- Developmental psychology and learning in the aquatic environment
- Aquatic rescue techniques with and without equipment
- Effective communication and group management in aquatic environments
- Occupational risk prevention in aquatic facilities
- Design and adaptation of aquatic activities for different ages and abilities
- Sociocultural activities and event management in the water
- Skills social and conflict resolution in the aquatic context
‘
- Water First Aid: CPR, water rescue, treatment of common injuries.
- Legislation and regulations applicable to aquatic activities.
- Psychology of learning in the aquatic environment: motivation, learning styles, adaptation.
- Swimming teaching techniques for different ages and levels.
- Design of aquatic activity programs: objectives, content, evaluation.
- Safety in aquatic facilities: risk prevention, emergency plans.
- Group management in aquatic activities: control, discipline, group dynamics.
- Adaptation of aquatic activities for people with disabilities.
- Marketing and promotion of aquatic activities: customer acquisition, customer retention.
- Financial and administrative management of a business of aquatic activities.
‘
Career opportunities
- Water Activities Instructor: teaching swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle surfing, etc.
- Lifeguard: surveillance and rescue at beaches, swimming pools, and water parks.
- Tourist Entertainer: organizing games and activities in hotels, campsites, and cruise ships.
- Diving Instructor: training and guiding recreational divers.
- Water Activities Guide: leading boat trips, kayaking excursions, etc., with environmental interpretation.
- Water Facilities Manager: management and coordination of swimming pools, water parks, and sports centers.
- Active Tourism Promoter: designing and marketing tour packages related to water activities.
- Recreational Craft Personnel: deckhand, skipper or captain of charter boats or excursions.
“`
Admission requirements
Academic/professional profile:
Degree/Bachelor's degree in Nautical Science/Maritime Transport, Naval/Marine Engineering, or a related field; or proven professional experience in bridge/operations.
Language proficiency:
Recommended functional maritime English (SMCP) for simulations and technical materials.
5. Induction
Updated resume, copy of degree or seaman's book, ID card/passport, letter of motivation.
Technical requirements (for online):
Equipment with camera/microphone, stable connection, ≥ 24” monitor recommended for ECDIS/Radar-ARPA.
Admission process and dates
1. Online
application
(form + documents).
2. Academic review and interview
(profile/objectives/schedule compatibility).
3. Admission decision
(+ scholarship proposal if applicable).
4. Reservation of place
(deposit) and registration.
5. Induction
(access to campus, calendars, simulator guides).
Scholarships and grants
- Master the Water: Learn essential techniques to enjoy aquatic activities with safety and confidence.
- Guaranteed Fun: Discover a world of possibilities, from recreational swimming to exciting water sports.
- Holistic Well-being: Improve your physical condition, reduce stress, and connect with nature.
- For All Levels: We adapt the program to your abilities and goals, whether you are a beginner or advanced.
- Certified Instructors: Learn from experts with extensive experience in activities aquatics.
Testimonials
During my training in aquatic recreational activities, I exceeded my expectations by mastering not only rescue and first aid techniques, but also the planning and execution of group activities for diverse ages and abilities in the water. This allowed me to confidently and creatively lead inclusive and safe aquatic sessions, achieving excellent results in the final practical evaluation and high participant satisfaction.
During the Tourism and Nautical Experiences course, I acquired the necessary skills to successfully design and manage a coastal kayaking tour, including logistics planning, safety, and interpretation of natural heritage, resulting in an enriching and safe experience for participants and a 20% increase in bookings compared to the previous year.
During my training in aquatic recreational activities, I successfully led the implementation of a new aquafitness program for older adults, which increased participation by 40% and received excellent ratings in satisfaction surveys, demonstrating my ability to design and implement inclusive and effective aquatic programs.
“During my aquatic recreational activities training, I overcame my fear of deep water and learned to perform effective rescues, lead groups safely, and plan fun and inclusive sessions for all ages and abilities. Now I feel prepared and confident to work as an instructor.”
Frequently asked questions
Swimming, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, water skiing, wakeboarding.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Swimming, diving, snorkeling, water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, sailing, sport fishing.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna University + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
- Water First Aid: CPR, water rescue, treatment of common injuries.
- Legislation and regulations applicable to aquatic activities.
- Psychology of learning in the aquatic environment: motivation, learning styles, adaptation.
- Swimming teaching techniques for different ages and levels.
- Design of aquatic activity programs: objectives, content, evaluation.
- Safety in aquatic facilities: risk prevention, emergency plans.
- Group management in aquatic activities: control, discipline, group dynamics.
- Adaptation of aquatic activities for people with disabilities.
- Marketing and promotion of aquatic activities: customer acquisition, customer retention.
- Financial and administrative management of a business of aquatic activities.
‘
Request information
- Complete the Application Form
- Attach your CV/Qualifications (if you have them to hand).
- Indicate your preferred cohort (January/May/September) and whether you want the hybrid option with simulator sessions.
Teachers
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Eng. Tomás Riera
Full Professor
Naval engineer specializing in the selection, integration, and optimization of propulsion systems for yachts, high-speed craft, and service vessels.
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Full Professor
Materials engineer specializing in marine composites and corrosion protection systems for ships, yachts, and port structures.
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Full Professor
Naval electrical engineer with over fifteen years of experience in the design, integration, and operation of power and automation systems.
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Full Professor
Specialist in meteorological and operational decision-making for coastal and offshore navigation, integrating wind, wave, and current models.
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Full Professor
Naval engineer with a PhD in applied hydrodynamics and over a decade of experience designing high-performance hulls and marine structures.
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Full Professor
MCA-certified captain with command of ocean-going vessels, specializing in advanced maneuvering, navigation management, and bridge safety.