Chapter 25 Aquatics 25 Aquatics Monica Lepore C H A P T E R

Adapted Aquatics Is not a related service. Is not aquatherapy, hydrotherapy, or aquatic therapy. (continued)

Adapted Aquatics (continued) Involves modifications to the aquatic environment, skills, facilities, equipment, and instructional strategies. Involves educational and recreational uses of aquatics.

What Adapted Aquatics Includes Swim strokes and other aquatic skills Competitive swimming Small craft Water aerobics and fitness Other water-based instructional and recreational activities

Physical Benefits of Adapted Aquatics Increases muscle strength and endurance. Improves range of movement. Improves breath control. Improves postural control. Improves overall health-related fitness.

Psychosocial Benefits of Adapted Aquatics Improves self-awareness. Boosts morale. Improves independence. Provides motivation to improve physical fitness.

Decreasing Fear in Reluctant Participants Allow reluctant participants extra time for water-acclimation activities. Use patience without pampering. Gently guide; don’t force. Explain everything in a calm, quiet, matter- of-fact voice. Teach in shallow water (e.g., on pool steps, water tables, or in-water docks) or on a gradually sloping ramp. (continued)

Decreasing Fear in Reluctant Participants (continued) Use noncompetitive activities. Provide a mask or goggles if water in the eyes is an issue. Provide redirection of crying or anxious behaviors by using a colorful piece of equipment or discussion of the swimmer’s favorite food. Use the swimmer’s name frequently; smile and praise small steps in the progression of water adjustment.

Inclusion Tips for Aquatics Use an alternative activity to one that might be inappropriate (e.g., jump vs. dive). Have teaching assistant repeat directions or provide physical support. Use a temporarily segregated program. Use AAHPERD-AAPAR or YMCA adapted aquatics instructor as coteacher. Peers who are trained as water safety aides or assistants can be helpful in providing specific assistance.

Important Considerations in Adapting Strokes What are the physical constraints of the disability? What is the most efficient way to propel through the water, given the constraints? What movements will cause or diminish pain or injury? (continued)

Important Considerations in Adapting Strokes (continued) What adaptations can be made that will make the stroke or skill as much like the nonadapted version as possible? What equipment is available to facilitate the skill? What is the reason the swimmer wants to learn this skill (competition, relaxation)?

What the Instructor May Need to Do Adjust the swimmer’s body position by adding flotation or light weights. Change the propulsive action of the arms or legs. Adapt the breathing pattern.

ADA New Standards (ATBCB, July 2004) Newly designed, newly constructed, or significantly altered pools must have at least two means of access provided if they have over 300 linear ft (91 m) of pool wall or they are not a pool where access is limited to one place (e.g., lazy river pool at a water park). (continued)

ADA New Standards (ATBCB, July 2004) (continued) Primary means of access Lift or sloped entry Secondary means of access Lift Sloped entry Transfer wall Transfer system Pool stairs that meet ADA code

Organizations Involved With Adapted Water Sport or Swimming Competition International Paralympic Committee USA Swimming US Paralympics Deaflympics Special Olympics Dwarf Athletic Association of America United States Association of Blind Athletes (continued)

Organizations Involved With Adapted Water Sport or Swimming Competition (continued) American Canoe Association International Foundation for Disabled Sailing US Sailing Association FISA Adaptive Rowing Commission USRowing Handicapped Scuba Association International International Association for Handicapped Divers

Examples of Modifications for Competitive Swimming Adaptations (from USA Swimming, 2008) Allowing the swimmer to start in the water Allowing the swimmer’s assistant on the deck to assist at the start Using a visual starting system, such as a strobe light or hand signals, for Deaf and hard-of-hearing participants Being lenient in the time it takes to get into starting positions Modifying starting positions on blocks, deck, or gutter (continued)

Examples of Modifications for Competitive Swimming Adaptations (from USA Swimming, 2008) (continued) Using tappers for swimmers with visual impairment (assistants who hold a pole with a soft tip to tap the swimmer at turns and finishes) Using physical touch to signal a relay swimmer when teammate has touched the wall Not judging a part of the body that is absent or not used as part of a legal or illegal stroke technique Relay swimmers staying in the water if they cannot exit independently