Preparing for Participation

Physical Preparation

Fitness levels are crucial in participating in water-based activities. Regular exercise, strength training, and endurance workouts can improve physical performance.
Understanding one’s physical limitations can help prevent injuries or exhaustion during activities.
Activating the muscles with a thorough warm-up before the activities can minimise the risk of strains and cramps.
You must learn about the swimming abilities needed for each activity. Pre-event training can be beneficial for non-swimmers or those who are less confident in the water.

Familiarise yourself with all the necessary equipment needed for the activity. The equipment will vary on the basis of the activity being performed like snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, etc.
Proper fitting of equipment is essential. Ill-fitted gear can lead to discomfort and even serious safety concerns.
Inspect the equipment before use. Damaged or faulty gear can be hazardous and should be replaced.

Stay updated about the weather forecast. Abrupt weather changes can turn a water-based activity dangerous.
Research about the water conditions in the location: features like tides, currents and water temperature can highly influence the activity and safety.
Understanding the local natural environment should also be a part of pre-activity planning. This includes possible dangers like rocky areas and potential interactions with wildlife.

Address any fears or phobias such as aquaphobia (fear of water) or claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) prior to participating in a water-based activity.
You should develop an understanding of and respect for the potential hazards and risks involved in the activity.
Confidence building through comprehensive learning and practice of the activities can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

Individuals with health conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, or heart conditions should seek medical advice before participating, due to the exertion and environment factors involved in water-based activities.
Drastic temperatures shifts can expose the body to risks like hypothermia or heatstroke. Adapt clothing and activity levels according to the environment conditions..
Do not ignore nutrition and hydration needs. Physical activities can be demanding on the body and getting sufficient food and water intake is crucial.