Aquatic therapy's growth continues to expand. The aquatic physical therapist has a primary responsibility for understanding the liability issues and taking responsibility for risk management in their aquatic practice setting. Many aquatic therapy practitioners have no safety or lifeguard training and work only one-on-one in a solitary setting. The physical therapy department has a doctor's prescription to physical therapy and often recommends aquatic therapy. The therapist that is the aquatic therapy provider(in consultation with the department head) has the final say on accepting patients into aquatic treatment as it may be determined that aquatic therapy is not appropriate at this time. Therapists must follow the Standard of Care as it applies to their qualifications. Diagnoses with increased liability concerns include chronic and neurologic illnesses, orthopedic traumas, oxygen/catheter users, and other contraindicated conditions. Insurance often limits therapy visits to (six or 8), depending on diagnosis and pain level. Patients introduced to aquatic therapy desire continued rehabilitation and exercise opportunities in the pool when therapy sessions end and seek community programs. The2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans addresses the importance of being as physically active as their abilities allow. Facilities are expanding their aquatic programs. More participants and increased revenue are additional incentives. Therapeutic classes with excessive participants, varying needs of client assistance, and lack of teaching aides risk combining too many diverse diagnoses into one class. Aquatic exercise instructors often depend on lifeguards in emergencies and are challenged due to a large number of participants in a large water area with multiple health issues. Recognizing the liability in aquatic therapy and therapeutic group classes should occur before programming is initiated. Many communities recognize the need of specialized programming in their facility, but do not look for instructors adequately trained in appropriate class modifications. Scope of Competency dictates that instructors must not go beyond their certification training. We want everyone in the pool and exercising. Objectives:
Dr. Mary O. Wykle, Ph.D. is an adjunct professor of physical education at Northern Virginia Community
College and her company, MW Associates, offers consulting workshops in health and aquatics. She holds
multiple certifications in aquatics and fitness. Mary is a long-time instructor for the Aquatic Therapy and
Rehabilitation Institute and regular presenter for the Aquatic Exercise Association and IAFC and is a
member of the AEA Advisory Board. She is currently coordinating with the US Army Surgeon General's
office to provide an aquatic rehabilitation training program for the Anny's Wounded Warrior Transition In addition to her aquatics activities, Dr. Wykle is Chair of the Visiting Committee for College of
Physical Activity and Sports Sciences at West Virginia University. Mary's is known for program
development with emphasis on core strength and balance training. Her Aquatic Pi-Yo-Chi™ course with
supporting manual and DVD is a specialty certificate for AEA. She also developed the course and wrote
the manual for Risk Awareness and Safety Training and the renewal course, Risk Awareness in Therapy Mary's recent recognitions include: the International Swimming Hall of Fame John K Williams International Adapted Aquatics Award (2007); the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute Aquatic Professional of the Year (2006); and the NVCC Award of Excellence for Service and Teaching (2006- 2007). Previous awards include the ATRI Tsunami Award (2004) and Dolphin Award(2002); selection to Who's Who in Aquatics (2002-20032004); four awards of the United States Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal; WVU School of Physical Education Hall of Fame; the American Red Cross Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Leadership; two awards of the American Red Cross special Citation for Exceptional Service; and Volunteer of the Year awards from various communities and associations.
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