Adapted Aquatics is a private lesson program designed for children with neurological, developmental and cognitive challenges that teaches them independent swimming and water safety. By introducing students to the water gradually, in a quiet setting in private lessons, they are better able to focus their attention.
While enrolled in the YMCA’s Adapted Aquatics program, students learn American Red Cross Aquatics Level I, II and III swim skills. However, we believe a child with disabilities or special needs is a child first. We focus on abilities and potential rather than limitations. Other goals and benefits of the Adapted Aquatics program include:
- Providing a sense of freedom to children who require physical assistance through water therapy, while encouraging them to push past physical limitations.
- Building strength, increasing cardiovascular endurance and improving motor planning skills.
- Allowing children to move their bodies in ways that may be difficult for them on land.
- Helping children who have sensory impairments learn how to exert more control over their body’s movements.
- Providing opportunities for continued social interaction with family, friends and other children.
Each child receives individualized, progressive lessons by qualified, experienced instructors who make learning achievable, sensory integrative and fun. These private lessons are held at the Y’s swimming pools. For more information, contact Sofia Melo at 561-508-4027
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Each session consists of eight 30 minute lessons. All lessons are 1-on-1 to ensure we are meeting the needs of each participant in the program.
- Fill out our brief inquiry interest form below. Once we have availability, a member of our team will contact you.
- Once complete and availability has been established, you will be assigned a YMCA Diverse Abilities Swim Instructor.
Benefits of Swim Lessons for individuals with diverse abilities:
- Build muscle and improve overall balance- water activities, including swimming lessons provide excellent low impact physical activity. Participants in the program could see improvements to balance, muscle tone, and motor skills.
- Safety First, Swim Second- Participants in the program will learn safety first. Basic water safety rules are learned and enforced from the first lesson. This includes asking permission before entering the water, only entering the water with an adult, and staying away from the "edge" of the pool until an adult says it`s okay to approach.
- Swim Basics- Children will also learn safety enter and exit the pool using the steps, ladder, sidewall, ADA compliant chairlift or our 0 depth beach entry/exit; however method works for them best. In addition, children will learn to float on their backs, blow bubbles and learn general swimming techniques such as front paddle and flutter kicks. As children progress through the program additional swim strokes may be taught as needed.
- Improved confidence- Learning to swim for anyone has shown to build confidence. When a child with special needs learns to swim a whole new world is open to them. Gain these skills helps lifelong benefits to their social, emotional and physical development.
