Facility Recruitment/ Starter Kit Arthritis Foundation Chapter/ Agency Name

Sincerely,

Title

CLASS OUTCOMES

The results of a pilot test demonstrate that, as a result of its recreational and social aspects, participants in an Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program class can experience:

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  A reduced level of pain
  

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  An improved ability to function independently in day-to-day life
  

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  A decrease in feelings of isolation and depression
  

Contact us today to bring these benefits to individuals in YOUR community.

1. 
   An accessible site consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including reasonable accommodations such as:
   
   1. 
      Handicapped parking spaces or other designated parking within close proximity.
      
   2. 
      At least one building entrance with an easy-to-open door close to parking and useable by persons with disabilities. Entrances with steps must have railings.
      
   3. 
      Barrier-free pool that is accessible to people with disabilities.
      
   4. 
      Accessible changing and restroom facilities, with adequate provisions for seating, located near the pool.
      

2. 
   Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program sites must provide a pool with:
   
   1. 
      Water temperature maintained between 83 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Therapeutic pools with temperatures of 91 to 94 degrees must obtain a waiver to do the program.
      
   2. 
      Readily available safety and water rescue equipment.
      
   3. 
      Clean and uncluttered deck area.
      
   4. 
      In accordance with state law, provide a written emergency procedure and an instructor or other person at the pool with current lifeguard or water safety/ rescue and CPR certification. If a leader is teaching, it is recommended that there be a second person at the pool or immediately available to assist with water rescue.
      
   5. 
      It is also recommended that sites provide a safe, comfortable pool environment including:
      

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  Air temperature within five degrees of the water temperature.
  
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  Adequate pool size to allow easy movement for all participants.
  
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  Pool depth sufficient so that participants can sit or stand comfortably with shoulders submerged during upper extremity exercises. For the deep water class, pool depth sufficient so that class participants can float upright wearing a flotation device without touching the pool bottom (minimum of six feet).
  

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  Ensure that the Arthritis Foundation programs are only taught by persons who have successfully met the prerequisites, completed an approved Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program instructor training workshop and are up-to-date on their Arthritis Foundation certification.
  

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  Provide adequate liability insurance coverage (at least $1 million).
  
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  Secure signed release forms from all new class participants relinquishing the Arthritis Foundation and the facility of financial responsibility or liability incurred as a result of program participation.
  
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  Ensure that the full Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program name is used in all written materials.
  
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  Provide program statistics and other requested evaluation data.
  
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  Allow classes to be open to the community unless specific arrangements have been made with the AF.
  
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  Sign a program co-sponsorship agreement to document mutual responsibilities.
  

1. 
   Certification as an Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program Leader/ Instructor requires:
   

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  Successful completion of an Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program Leader/ Instructor Training Workshop.
  
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  Successful teaching of at least six one-hour Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program class sessions within six months of completing an Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program Leader/ Instructor Training Workshop and submission of participant data and completed certification application form to the Arthritis Foundation.
  
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  Teaching at least six class sessions annually and submission of participant data.
  
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  Attendance at recertification training every three years.
  

2. 
   Basic requirements for LEADERS include:
   

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  Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  

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  Ability to swim at least 25 yards using any stroke without stopping; ability to jump into deep water, surface, and either float for a minimum of 10 minutes or tread water for a minimum of 1 minute; and ability to perform the recovery position from face up and face down in shallow and deep water.
  

3. Additional qualifications for INSTRUCTORS:

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  YMCA, Red Cross or other nationally recognized lifeguard or water safety/ rescue certification is required.
  
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  First aid certification is strongly recommended.
  

4. 
   In addition to the Instructor qualifications, those teaching the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program for Juvenile Arthritis must have:
   

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  Current Infant and Child CPR certification.
  
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  Successful completion of an Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program for Juvenile Arthritis Instructor Training Workshop.
  

5. Affiliation with an agency that meets Arthritis Foundation facility standards.

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  Empathy towards people with arthritis and related diseases gained through personal or professional experience.
  
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  Interest in working with groups of people with arthritis and related diseases.
  
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  Experience in teaching exercise classes; skill in group process and instructional techniques.
  
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  Desire and ability to help others.
  
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  Strong belief in the value of regular physical activity.
  

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