At SafeSplash Owings Mills, we believe swimming is a life skill®, and that all children are safer and happier when they learn the basics of water safety, no matter the challenges they face. Our Adaptive Aquatics program considers the basic goals of each swimmer as we promote comfort in the water, focus on safety, and teach the basics of swimming to the extent a child’s physical and developmental ability allows.
Will my child with special abilities benefit from swimming lessons?
Lessons can also be therapeutic and, for many swimmers with special abilities, very calming. Water can soothe sensory overload and give swimmers a feeling of weightlessness and relief from physical discomfort. Other benefits include balance, coordination, strength, and range of motion. It’s not uncommon for parents to notice confidence and self-esteem boost, either. When your child learns how to swim with SafeSplash Owings Mills, they receive all the benefits of swimming in a safe, and supportive environment.
Individualized lesson plans are structured based on the goals and the interests of the swimmer.
Children with special abilities best succeed with flexible, patient, empathic teachers who use individual-focused methods. SafeSplash brand Certified™ Adaptive Aquatics instructors have experience teaching the necessary skills at the appropriate time for children with a variety of special abilities, including:
- ADHD
- Autism or ASD and other related developmental challenges
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Sensory struggles
- Other Physical challenges
Our Programs:
Therapeutic Aquatic Program (T.A.P.)
Therapeutic lessons best help swimmers with muscular and limb challenges or those who struggle with head control. The goal of this program is to help children gain strength while using buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure. With this program, it is important to have a parent, caregiver or physical therapist present with you as we begin to understand the child’s movement capabilities and challenges.
Adapted Swim Levels
Our three Adapted Swim levels utilize a specific framework and structure that helps swimmers with special abilities achieve milestones, while still allowing for flexibility and adaptation for individualized lesson plans and goals. These levels incorporate foundational safety skills as well as foundational swimming skills.
Get Started Today
We encourage parents to start by filling out our confidential and detailed questionnaire. Prior to your child’s first SafeSplash Owings Mills Adaptive Aquatics lesson, we will work together to determine your family’s goals, get to know your child’s abilities, and answer any questions you may have. You are also welcome to come in and meet our team of instructors for an orientation before enrolling! After the initial meeting, our team will develop a customized teaching plan and connect you with an experienced Adaptive Aquatics instructor, who is matched to your child based on personality and goals. We recommend that our swimmers with special abilities are in private, ongoing, weekly classes.
