In this group, we use the pool as an environment to enhance communication, interaction and engagement in play activities with our children. It is often a very motivating environment for the children and can assist in capturing their attention and keeping them on task with particular activities.
Water may stimulate various sensory systems (including tactile, vestibular and proprioception), body awareness, muscle tone, control and co-ordination). It may also assist with learning a controlled and rhythmic breathing pattern. Activities of daily living such as dressing and showering can be addressed in a natural way.
Parent participation is required for this group as parents are required to be in the pool supporting their child. Please talk to us if you have difficulties with this. The sessions will have two separate sections. Initially there will be individual activities for you to engage in with your child, following their interests. Then we will have a short group time where we follow a sequence of familiar nursery rhymes and songs with specific movement patterns to follow along with. These activities can be adapted for children in order to find the correct challenge level and allow them choices within the activity. There will also be an “Area of Focus” for the week, when we discuss different skills and how to develop them.
It is important to remember that this group is NOT a “learn to swim” class. The goals of this group are:
- encouraging interaction between parent and child
- increasing attention and concentration on group activities
- following instructions
- taking turns with peers
- earning to wait
- learning safety around the pool environment
- accessing a local community facility
- establishing a recreation activity
We encourage families to take the skills and activities they learn in this group and enjoy swimming times with their children outside of the allocated group time. This may be at the beach on the weekend, at the local pool with siblings, at friend’s houses or even at bath time.
Clubs
We also encourage families to consider enrolling their children in “learning to swim” classes in order to learn specific stroke skills needed to swim independently. You can do this through your local aquatic center’s mainstream swimming classes. Otherwise we have listed some additional contacts:
The Rainbow Club
There are clubs located in NSW at: Bondi, Cronulla, Campbelltown, Epping, Lindfield, Liverpool, Newington/Leichhardt, Revesby, Warringah, Sutherland, Orange. The aim and objective of each club is to give children with disabilities the same opportunity as their abled peers.
Phone: Susan Green on 0418 963 087 (between 10am and 4pm)
Email: rainbow_clubaust@hotmail.com
Website: www.rainbowclubaust.com.au
Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre
There are regular lessons on Wednesday evenings 5.45-7.15pm. There are 5 instructions for children with additional needs.
Phone: 9752 3666
Email: aquatic@sopac.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.aquaticcentre.com.au
Cost: $12 for ½ hour 1:1 lesson
Sydney Uni Sports & Fitness
Access Swim Program” a program for people with disabilities.
Enquiries
Phone: 9351 8735
Email: v.smith@sport.usyd.edu.au
Cost $14.00 a lesson
