Good Equipment Makes for Engaging Pool Activities!

Managers of municipal aqua parks and swimming pools, those operated by schools, as well as pools within hotels, resorts, and spas, should select accessories that align their facilities' offerings with the needs of all customer groups.

To create a comprehensive range of water recreation activities and thereby increase the number of pool users, a good manager must ensure attractive and safe equipment for individual customers, swim schools, and aqua fitness instructors. Mateusz Matusiak, the pool and fitness department manager at Stacja Nowa Gdynia Business & Wellness Resort, shared his insights with us on this topic.

Engaging Water Activities

Mateusz, tell us, what swimming and water activity accessories are essential for conducting attractive sessions for the youngest and older visitors to the pool?

Mateusz Matusiak: The swimming pool at Stacja Nowa Gdynia, which I manage, probably has the richest "menu" in the area. We conduct licensed classes using equipment specifically designed for these activities, such as Aqua Bikes and Water Trekking equipment.

Water Training

When teaching swimming to both children and adults, the most useful accessories are those that enhance and make training more enjoyable. Even the most experienced swimmer with excellent skills enjoys using fins, a snorkel, paddles, or a kickboard; very few participants (especially beginners) enjoy monotony.

Group Activities in the Water

In group aqua fitness classes, buoyancy devices are a hit. Exercises with such equipment help generate more power and strengthen our muscles. There are also buoyancy accessories, like flotation belts, that make water exercises easier, especially for beginners. Our offerings are designed so that everyone can find something suited to their needs.

Should such equipment be provided by the swimming facility, or should it be owned by the activity organizer, coach, or instructor (if they are an external entity using the pool)?

Pool Equipment

MM: I believe that anyone conducting these types of activities should strive to have this equipment themselves. The pool I work at is equipped with such accessories and ensures they are safe, certified, and of high quality.

What criteria should equipment provided by the pool meet?

MM: First and foremost, the equipment should be safe for users and made from high-quality materials. Water sports enthusiasts also value durability and attractiveness – aesthetically pleasing equipment is important as well.

For younger swimming learners, the equipment must definitely be colorful. This is especially true for classes for children and infants, where colorful gear works exceptionally well.

Safe and Aesthetic Equipment

In our 15-year career at the pool, we’ve personally tested equipment from nearly every company that sells these types of accessories. For the past 10 years, we’ve been using Aqua Speed accessories. These include:

• pool noodles
• kickboards
• pull buoys
• fins
• paddles
• front snorkels
• flotation belts
• aqua fitness belts
• discs
• inflatable toys
• sinkable toys
• and many more

Interview by: Maciej Mazerant / Editor-in-Chief of AQUA SPEED Magazine