Aquatics

Aquatics refers to activities, disciplines, and sciences related to water. It encompasses the study of aquatic environments—marine and freshwater—as well as human activities that use water for recreation, sport, food production, or therapy.

In sports and recreation, aquatics includes swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized or artistic swimming, open water swimming, and related disciplines. International governance is provided by World Aquatics, the global federation formerly known as FINA; it oversees world championships and the sport programs of the Olympic movement.

In science and ecology, aquatics covers aquatic biology, ecology, limnology, and marine science; it also includes aquaculture and ornamental fishkeeping. Aquatic habitats range from oceans and seas to rivers, lakes, and wetlands, supporting diverse communities and delivering ecosystem services. Human impact—pollution, overfishing, invasive species, and climate change—drives conservation and restoration efforts.

Therapeutic uses include aquatic therapy and hydrotherapy, which use water properties to assist rehabilitation and pain management. Aquaculture refers to farming of aquatic organisms for food and other products, playing a significant role in global food systems and economic activity.

Safety, infrastructure, and policy cover lifeguarding, pool design, water quality management, and drowning prevention. Maintaining clean water, sustainable fisheries, and ethical animal care are ongoing concerns in both recreational and commercial settings, with regulation and professional standards guiding practice across communities and industries.