ADAPTIVE SWIMMING
The Crucial Need for Adaptive Swim Lessons for Children with Special Needs Under Age Three
Swimming is not just a recreational activity; it is a vital life skill that can significantly enhance safety and development for all children, especially those with special needs. For children under the age of three, particularly those with physical and mental handicaps, swim lessons provide essential benefits that go beyond mere enjoyment in the water.
Drowning Prevention: Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children in California. According to the California Department of Public Health, drowning ranks as the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1-4. Early swim lessons can equip children with essential water safety skills, potentially reducing their risk of drowning significantly. For instance, teaching a child how to float or how to reach the side of the pool can be life-saving.
Physical Development: For children with physical disabilities, swimming can serve as an excellent form of therapy. The buoyancy of water reduces strain on joints and muscles, allowing these children to move more freely and improve strength, coordination, and balance. Regular swim lessons can enhance motor skills and promote physical health, making it easier for children to engage in everyday activities.
Cognitive Development: Early swim programs often incorporate games and structured activities that stimulate cognitive development. These activities can improve focus, memory, and problem-solving skills while providing a fun environment where children can learn. For children with developmental delays or mental handicaps, swimming lessons can encourage new ways of learning and interacting with their surroundings.
Social Skills and Confidence Building: Swimming lessons create an inclusive environment where children can interact with adults and specialized instructors. This social interaction is crucial for developing social skills and building confidence. For children with special needs, who may struggle with socialization, the shared experience of learning to swim can foster broadened social confidence and a sense of belonging.
Emotional Benefits: Engaging in swimming can provide a sense of accomplishment and joy for children with special needs. Mastering new skills can boost self-esteem and overall mental health. The calming nature of water can also have therapeutic benefits, helping to reduce anxiety and stress for both the child and their parents.
In conclusion, providing swim lessons for children under three, especially those with special needs, is crucial for their safety, physical development, cognitive growth, social interactions, and emotional well-being. By prioritizing these lessons, we not only enhance their quality of life but also significantly reduce the risks associated with drowning. Investing in early swim education is an investment in a child's future, encouraging resilience and independence as they grow.
Ori’s Story
Ori is an ex-23 weeker, born at 23w4d who spent nearly 6 months in the NICU. She has Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (chronic lung disease), she had SIP (sudden intestinal perforation)and required a peritoneal drain, had a multi-hour laser eye surgery due to retinopathy of prematurity, and required a PDA device closure surgery as well, she has a g-tube for feeding.
For the first month of her life, she was attached to an oscillator and fully paralyzed, following the oscillator she was still intubated with only slightly less paralytic medications on board. She often had PICC and intravenous lines attached to every extremity immobilizing her further, even once she was weaned from the paralytics. She had an incredibly invasive cut down procedure to put a life-saving Broviac line. We are grateful for the lifesaving care—every medical marvel and intervention that saved and sustained her life and ability to grow during these initial months of life. They have, however, left her behind the curve in terms of her growth and development. Whether as a result of her time in the NICU, or just another sequelae of prematurity, Ori has moderate to severe torticollis. She is also at risk for CP. Ori has limited range of motion with her left arm and the fingers of her left hand.
These sessions with Coach Jeff can work to help her improve her muscle strength and coordination, enhance her range of motion, help her with her postural control, her vestibular and proprioceptive awareness, and her neuromuscular development. They can also help her lungs by encouraging deeper breathing, and improved lung expansion all while decreasing her work of breathing. Her PT has also recommended that she will benefit from continued PROM, stretching, and ongoing developmental milestone support.
And of course, the crucial basic need for water safety skills.
Swimming and recreation water therapy will allow Ori to gain confidence and comfort in the water. She will gain movement and in her capabilities, mitigate her disability risks and support her cognitive, emotional and physical development.
Ori was born at 23 weeks 4 days — the surviving triplet of our triplet daughters who announced their early arrival in the wee hours of June 2, 2024 via emergency C-section at Scripps La Jolla. Our daughters Noa and Shai passed 36 hours after they were born, May their Memories be a Blessing.
By some miracle, B”H, Ori survived–she spent nearly 6 months in Radys NICU. She was ultra low birth weight, scarcely 500 grams when she was born. She has endured many trials and complications, but she has an incredible strength and spirit. In the NICU she was nicknamed “Iron-willed Ori.”
While Ori is eligible for Regional Center funds, it is our understanding from the regional center that it only funds Social Development Programs (how they categorize swim therapy) for children ages 3 and older. Swimming therapy is so much more than social development. For Ori, it has the ability to mitigate her disability-risks, help her catch up to her peers, gain strength, flexibility, and mobility, and learn to enjoy her body in ways she was not able to during her NICU stay. The NICU was, B’’H, focused on her survival, now we want to do everything we can to make sure she thrives.
It is my mission to support Ori, but all children that deserve our support. Let Ori be the challenge to the status quo, and demand that the DDS for earlystart California reevaluate their essential services.
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Adaptive swimming is a tailored approach to aquatic education that addresses the unique needs of children with disabilities or special needs. This method emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and empowered in the water. By adapting techniques, equipment, and instruction, we create a personalized experience that fosters water competence and confidence.
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Enhanced Water Safety: One of the primary goals is to teach essential water safety skills, ensuring children can navigate aquatic environments safely. This builds confidence and reduces anxiety around water.
Improved Physical Skills: Swimming helps enhance motor skills, coordination, and strength. The buoyancy of water can also reduce the strain on joints, making it an excellent exercise option for children with physical challenges.
Emotional and Social Development: Adaptive swimming encourages social interaction and teamwork. Children build friendships, improve communication skills, and develop self-esteem through shared experiences in a supportive environment.
Tailored Instruction: Each lesson is customized to meet the individual needs of the swimmer. Techniques are modified based on their abilities, ensuring that they progress at their own pace while feeling comfortable and engaged.
Therapeutic Benefits: The calming effects of water can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Swimming can also serve as a therapeutic outlet, helping children manage emotions and build resilience.
Holistic Wellness: Beyond just swimming skills, the focus on emotional and physical support creates a holistic approach to wellness, fostering a sense of belonging and achievement.
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