SwimAbilities®
SwimAbilities® is a learn to swim program geared for children with special needs. SwimAbilities® provides lessons where the caregiver is in the water to provide one-on-one focus while being under the direction of a certified instructor. SwimAbilities® assists children and their caregivers to increase safety, independence, and enjoyment in and around the water. Children may begin SwimAbilities® at any level and may continue into other swim programs if they are comfortable doing so.
Every child who does not yet fit into regular lessons is welcome in SwimAbilities®, regardless of whether or not they have a diagnosis.
Recommended ages: 3-16 years old
Who would benefit?
Children who need or would benefit from:
- A slower paced lesson with additional practice time
- Basic learn-to-swim instruction
- Additional support learning swimming routines and/or public swimming routines
- Additional one-on-one safety supervision
Parents or Aides who are in the water with the child, will also benefit from learning:
- Techniques to support the child in learning and performing the swimming skills
- Routines that are the same or similar to routines found during public swim
SwimAbilities® Sites
|
Zone/Region
|
Municipality
|
Affiliate
|
Facility Name
|
|
North
|
Jasper
|
Municipality of Jasper
|
Jasper Aquatic Centre
|
|
Edmonton
|
Edmonton
|
MacEwan University
|
MacEwan University
|
|
Edmonton
|
University of Alberta
|
University of Alberta Pool
|
|
Calgary
|
Calgary
|
City of Calgary
|
Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre
|
|
Calgary
|
Repsol Sport Centre
|
Repsol Sport Centre
|
|
Calgary
|
Trico Centre for Family Wellness
|
Trico Centre for Family Wellness
|
|
Calgary
|
City of Calgary
|
Village Square Leisure Centre
|
|
Claresholm
|
Town of Claresholm
|
Claresholm Aquatic Centre
|
|
Central
|
Wetaskiwin
|
City of Wetaskiwin
|
The Manluk Centre
|
|
Central
|
Red Deer
|
City of Red Deer
|
Michener Aquatic Centre
|
|
Edmonton
|
Fort Saskatchewan
|
City of Fort Saskatchewan
|
Harbour Pool
|
For communities who would like to offer SwimAbilities®, please contact the Lifesaving Society Alberta & Northwest Territories directly.
Who teaches SwimAbilities®?
SwimAbilities® classes are run by certified swimming instructors, who also hold SwimAbilities® Instructor certification through the Lifesaving Society Alberta & Northwest Territories. SwimAbilities® instructors have additional training and certification to support children with special needs in a pool environment.
SwimAbilities® Instructor
SwimAbilities® Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the SwimAbilities® learn to swim program. The SwimAbilities® Instructor course prepares instructors to apply level 2 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach candidates with special needs.
| Prerequisite(s) |
Must possess a current Swim or Lifesaving Instructor certification. |
| Apprenticeship |
In course |
| Certification Currency |
Two (2) years from the date of certification |
| Recertification |
Complete and submit a Distance Recertification Form, a Self-Assessment, and a Leadership Development Plan |
SwimAbilities® Instructor courses are scheduled in both Edmonton and Calgary. Look on Find a Course or contact the Lifesaving Society for more details.
