Bioethical foundations for safe, responsible, and person-centered aquatic practice
With Pamela Marcone Dapelo
Hybrid online format
February 27, 2027 and April 10, 2027
(8 hours of hybrid training accredited by the Watsupath™ Training Institute https://watsupath.com and the International Aquatic Bodywork Association W.A.B.A. http://waba.pro for the Watsu® professional pathway)
PRESENTATION
Aquatic therapy and aquatic bodywork are areas of practice experiencing continuous international growth.
However, the technical and scientific development of a discipline cannot be separated from the bioethical reflection that guides interactions with individuals, clinical decision-making, risk management, and professional responsibility.
The particular characteristics of the aquatic environment give rise to situations that require specific attention to aspects such as vulnerability, autonomy, informed consent, the therapeutic relationship, confidentiality, safety, accessibility, and quality of care.
Drawing on her international research into bioethical principles and competencies in hydrotherapy practices, Pamela Marcone offers a rigorous and practice-oriented approach to the bioethical challenges that arise in contemporary aquatic practice.
This Masterclass will provide participants with an understanding of the bioethical foundations of aquatic therapy, enable them to analyze real-life situations arising in professional practice, and help them develop criteria that support safe, responsible, and person-centered interventions.
OBJECTIVES
By the end of the activity, participants will be able to:
- Understand the main foundations of bioethics as applied to aquatic therapy.
- Analyze hydrotherapy practice from a person-centered perspective.
- Identify ethically complex situations within aquatic practice.
- Recognize factors related to the vulnerability of clients and therapists.
- Understand the role of informed consent, autonomy, and confidentiality.
- Reflect on the bioethical competencies required for professional practice.
- Apply bioethical criteria to real-life clinical and educational practice situations.
COMPETENCIES INTRODUCED
During this activity, participants will be introduced to:
- An understanding of bioethical principles as applied to the aquatic environment.
- The identification of ethical challenges present in professional practice.
- Critical reflection on the therapeutic relationship.
- The analysis of situations involving vulnerability and professional responsibility.
- An understanding of the bioethical competencies required for safe, high-quality practice.
- The integration of scientific evidence, professional ethics, and clinical experience.
These competencies are addressed at an introductory level, in keeping with the educational nature of the activity.
Original PRICE
125€
EARLY BIRD
95€
125.00€Add to basket
CONTENT
MODULE 1. WHY TALK ABOUT BIOETHICS IN AQUATIC THERAPY?
- What are ethics and morality?
- Moral evaluation of an ethical act.
- Differences between ethics and bioethics.
- Bioethical approaches and principles.
- Why is bioethics relevant to aquatic practice?
- Specific characteristics of the aquatic environment and therapeutic contact.
- Current challenges facing the profession.
MODULE 2. THE PERSON AT THE CENTRE OF PRACTICE
- Vulnerability and human dignity.
- Trust and the therapeutic relationship.
- Consent, freedom and responsibility, and respect for autonomy.
- Respect and professional responsibility.
MODULE 3. COMPETENCIES OF THE AQUATIC THERAPIST
- Presence and listening.
- Professional boundaries.
- Safety and care.
- Professional integrity.
- Interdisciplinary work.
MODULE 4. CHALLENGES AND THE FUTURE OF THE PROFESSION
- Education and accreditation.
- Quality of care.
- Accessibility.
- Bioethical development of aquatic therapy.
- Reflections for everyday practice.
ONLINE MASTERCLASS
The activity is structured around two Online Masterclasses led by Pamela Marcone.
Drawing on her teaching and research experience, Pamela will share her reflections on the ethical challenges accompanying contemporary aquatic practice and open a space for dialogue on the future of the profession.
Topics will include:
- Bioethics and professional practice.
- The therapeutic relationship in the aquatic environment.
- Vulnerability, trust, and responsibility.
- Education, accreditation, and professional integrity.
- Practical cases and shared reflection.
- Questions and answers.
The sessions will be recorded and will remain available to registered participants afterward.
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
The activity combines:
- Guided self-study.
- Online educational materials.
- Selected readings.
- Recommended bibliography.
- Supplementary resources.
- Follow-up questionnaire.
- Live online Masterclass.
- Reflection and Q&A session.
The methodology is designed to provide a rigorous, practical and up-to-date approach to bioethics as applied to the aquatic environment.
TIME ALLOCATION
Online Training Pathway
Estimated 8 hours of flexible study.
Online Masterclass I
2 hours.
Online Masterclass II
2 hours.
Total Accredited Training Hours
8 hours.
SCHEDULE
Online Masterclass I
February 27, 2027
Online Masterclass II
April 10, 2027
Final times will be communicated to registered participants.
PARTICIPANT PROFILE
Intended for:
- Physiotherapists.
- Occupational Therapists.
- Aquatic therapy professionals.
- Practitioners of Craniosacral Therapy in Water™, Watsu®, and aquatic bodywork.
- Healthcare professionals.
- University students.
- Educators and those responsible for training programs.
- Professionals interested in the ethical dimension of therapeutic practice.
No specific prior knowledge is required.
The Masterclass will be taught entirely in Spanish.
INSTRUCTOR
PAMELA MARCONE DAPELO
PAMELA MARCONE DAPELO
BIO
Researcher, university educator, and aquatic therapist.
Faculty member at the University of Playa Ancha (Chile) and specialist in bioethics applied to hydrotherapy practices.
Author of international research on bioethical principles, vulnerability, bioethical competencies, and professional development in aquatic therapy.
Her work currently contributes to the development of ethical frameworks aimed at strengthening the quality, safety, and legitimacy of contemporary aquatic practices.
ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATION
To receive the certificate, participants must:
- Complete the training materials included on the platform.
- Complete the follow-up questionnaire associated with the activity.
The Masterclasses may be attended live or viewed through the recordings made available afterward during the period established by the organization.
CERTIFICATION
Upon completion of the activity, participants will receive a Certificate of Participation issued by the Watsupath™ Training Institute.
These hours may be registered within the professional pathway recognised by the World Aquatic Bodywork Association (W.A.B.A.) for students and professionals participating in accredited training programs in Craniosacral Therapy in Water™, Watsu® or other related disciplines, in accordance with the association’s current regulations.
REGISTRATION AND EARLY BIRD
Standard registration: €125 (VAT included).
Early Bird: The first five people to complete their registration will have access to a special rate of €95 (VAT included). Coupon: antbioetica
Registration includes:
- Access to the online training pathway.
- Access to the Masterclasses.
- Access to the recordings during the established availability period.
- Educational materials.
- Certificate of Participation
Places are limited, and registrations will be accepted in the order in which they are received.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations must be requested in writing.
- Up to 15 days before the start of the activity: full refund minus €20 in administrative fees.
- Between 15 and 7 days before the start: 50% refund of the amount paid.
- Less than 7 days before the start: no refund will be issued.
- Registration may be transferred to another person at no additional cost.
- If the activity is cancelled by the organisation, the full amount paid will be refunded.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Watsupath™ Training Institute