At AQUA S.T.A.R., we believe that swimming is a crucial life skill and that all children are safer and happier when they learn the basics of water safety, regardless of the challenges they face. Our Adaptive Aquatics program is designed to promote comfort in the water, focus on safety, and teach the basics of swimming, tailored to each child’s physical and developmental abilities.

Swimming lessons can be therapeutic and calming for many children with special abilities. The water can soothe sensory overload, provide a sense of weightlessness, and relieve physical discomfort.

Other benefits include improved balance, coordination, strength, and range of motion. Parents often notice a boost in their child’s confidence and self-esteem. At AQUA S.T.A.R., your child will learn to swim in a safe and supportive environment, reaping all the benefits of swimming.

Our lesson plans are structured around the goals and interests of each swimmer. Children with special abilities thrive with flexible, patient, and empathetic instructors who use individualized teaching methods. Our AQUA S.T.A.R. Certified™ Adaptive Aquatics instructors are experienced in teaching children with a variety of special abilities, including:

• ADHD
• Autism or ASD and related developmental challenges
• Down syndrome
• Sensory struggles
• Other physical challenges

Therapeutic lessons are designed for swimmers with muscular and limb challenges or those who struggle with head control. The goal is to help children gain strength using the buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure of the water. It is important to have a parent, caregiver, or physical therapist present as we begin to understand the child’s movement capabilities and challenges.

Our Adapted Swim levels use a specific framework and structure that help swimmers with special abilities achieve milestones while allowing for flexibility and individualized lesson plans and goals. These levels incorporate foundational safety skills as well as fundamental swimming techniques.