Eleven newly-qualified swim teachers are ready to change the tide and offer more inclusive options for people with disabilities.
STA Swim Tutor, Esther Jean O’Kane, recently secured funding to qualify 11 swim teachers from Donegal, Tyrone, Sligo, England and Wales as Disability Swim teachers.
Esther, who is an advocate for inclusive swimming lessons, works with swimming pools all over Ireland training swim teachers and lifeguards.
Swimming has many advantages for children and adults, but it is particularly advantageous for children with additional needs by increasing physical activity level, developing self-confidence and teaching a lifesaving skill.
The pool can be a fun and enjoyable place for children of all abilities to exercise. Water-resistance aids muscle tone and strength development with each kick or stroke.
Learning to swim helps with balance, coordination, and the development of motor skills, which is particularly important for children with additional needs. As children learn to float and then move through the water, they are isolating muscle groups and learning how to coordinate different motions to achieve each physical goal.
According to the National Autism Association, drowning is among the leading causes of death for children with autism. This is because of three common autistic characteristics can be wandering, fascination with the water, and a lack of understanding of danger. Across the board, children with special needs have a higher risk of drowning. Teaching children to swim and water safety can mean the difference between life and death if they find themselves accidentally in the water.
“Huge thank you to all the wonderful additional needs students who attended the free swim lessons and the fabulous Staff of Aura Letterkenny Leisure Centre for facilitating the course,” Esther said.
Esther Jean is based in Magherabeg Leisure Centre Downings Co. Donegal and hopes to hold several more courses this year all over Ireland to train even more swim teachers to facilitate swim teaching for children and adults with additional needs.
