Aquatics is every freshman’s nightmare. It is a class spoken about in hushed tones and frightened whispers, with an air of dread pervading the subject—and understandably so. No one wants to get dunked into a pool of ice-cold water in the middle of the school day. However, while aquatics is an unpleasant experience, it may be a necessary and useful one.
To fully understand the impact of the class, let’s take a look at its origins. White Plains High School was originally built in 1962 and subsequently underwent a series of major renovations, which included completely remodeling the school’s exterior and building a pool. A desire to encourage frequent use of the school’s facilities was likely one of the reasons aquatics was first instituted. It was an unlikely addition to the school’s curriculum, but perhaps a valuable one.
Aquatics allows students to acclimate to physical education, gaining experience opening their lockers and changing their clothes in a limited amount of time, something they must do throughout all four years of high school PE. Additionally, since aquatics is a class exclusively for freshmen, it eases new students into the expectations and requirements for physical education at White Plains.
Some may argue that wearing bathing suits increases student insecurity and anxiety. I would argue the opposite. Aquatics provides a safe space for students to struggle and overcome challenges. You cannot conquer your fears without facing them, and as scary as aquatics may be for some, it is still a regulated class environment that offers an opportunity for those struggling to become more comfortable in their own bodies. Obviously, there are exceptions. If you’re struggling with severe anxiety or have a medical condition like anorexia or bulimia, I believe that you should be excused (and most are). However, anxiety is a part of life, and learning how to overcome it is one of the many unexpectedly beneficial outcomes of aquatics.
Contrary to what some may think, aquatics is far from a redundant class for those who already know how to swim. I knew how to swim going into aquatics, yet it still taught me a multitude of different strokes, all practical in different situations and instances. Aquatics also helped me refine and acquire new skills in the water, such as breathing techniques and endurance.
Most important, aquatics teaches you skills that could save your life. An approximate 4,000 people drown annually, equating 11 drownings per day. Bathtubs, swimming pools, ponds and lakes are a few places where drowning is common. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children 5-14 years old, second only to automobile accidents. Drowning risks also vary by household income and race. 40% of Caucasian children, 45% of Latino children, and 64% of African American children have few to no swimming skills. African American children ages 5-19 drown at rates 5.5 times higher than Caucasian children in the same age range. Aquatics, in this regard, levels the playing field. For families who cannot afford swimming lessons for their children, aquatics offers a valuable skill that has the potential to save lives.
Finally, aquatics offers WPHS students the opportunity to take a “Life Saving/First Aid/CPR” class in their junior and senior years. The successful completion of this course results in students receiving a Red Cross Lifeguard Certification at no cost. It provides the qualifications for a profitable job, an invaluable opportunity that should not be taken for granted.
In conclusion, while aquatics may not be a pleasant experience for freshmen at WPHS, it teaches valuable, life-saving skills and offers opportunities (such as the opportunity to become a Certified Red Cross Lifeguard free of cost) that you will not find anywhere else. Ask any of the aquatics coaches: if you apply yourself, you will succeed, just as in any other class. The only difference between aquatics and your average class period is that in aquatics, you learn skills that you’ll use no matter what you become.
