Adaptive Swimming

This program is ideal for children ages 4–17 with developmental disabilities including (but not limited to) autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and sensory processing challenges.

Maximum 2 swimmers (each with an Aide/Guardian)  to 1 instructor.

It is necessary for an aide or parent/guardian to attend the first class. If it is necessary for an aide or parent/guardian to attend every class going forward, you may be expected to be in the water in order to assist us in providing the most consistent and supportive instruction for your child.

• Every lesson is shaped around the individual swimmer, not a fixed script — starting with an initial evaluation to understand your child's unique needs. Our instructors:

• Adapt activities, teaching style, and equipment in real time based on each swimmer's needs and preferences

• Use visual supports, structured routines, and clear, concise language to support understanding

• Create a calm, sensory-friendly environment, adjusting lighting and noise for comfort

• Practice patience, allowing each swimmer to progress at their own pace

• Focus on core water safety skills — floating, kicking, and breath control

• Keep class sizes small, with an aide or parent/guardian alongside your swimmer as needed

Water Adjustment
We begin by helping swimmers build comfort in the water — practicing safe pool entry and exit, submersion, floating, and breath control at their own pace.

A Typical Lesson

• Warm-Up — Prepare the body and ease into the session
• Skill Practice — Focused time on specific technique goals
• Treading Water — Building endurance and confidence in both shallow and deeper water
• Basic Kicks — Introducing freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke kicking technique, using kickboards or flotation support as needed
• Endurance — Gradually building distance and intensity over time
• Cool-Down — Winding down and relaxing the body to close each session