By Kelly Bonner
Summer is in full swing with pools, lakes, and oceans as popular destinations to beat the heat. For kids and adults alike, time spent in the water provides some of the best summer memories. But if your child doesn’t know how to swim, they may be missing out on the fun. You may have assumed that because your child has a disability he or she is unable to swim, but you might be surprised to learn that is probably not the case. I never cease to be amazed by kids’ capabilities. I have seen a child without use of his arms jump in and swim across the pool, even rolling over to take breaths. Another child only had muscle control in her hands yet was able to swim multiple laps at any given time. Your child’s stroke may not look textbook, but it can be his or her way of moving in and through the water independently. Even if your child isn’t the next Michael Phelps, it can be a huge relief just to know that your child is safe and independent in the water.
You can use the following steps to get your child started in the water:
- Getting Comfortable in the Water
- Going Under
- Arm and Leg Combination
- Float on Back/Backstroke
- Rolling onto the Belly
- Side Breathing
- Putting it All Together