Why Choose Swim Angelfish as Your Adaptive Aquatics Training Provider

Advancing your skills as a swim instructor or aquatic therapist to meet the diverse needs of individuals is something that all aquatic professionals have high on their continuing education list.

With more than one in ten Americans having some type of disability, and the increasing number of children diagnosed with Autism, the demand for highly trained aquatic professionals equipped to work with diverse needs is becoming even more crucial.

Ready to grow your skill set with our time-tested toolbox of strategies? Our 100% online training courses will develop your career as an aquatic professional working with the special needs population.

We have a variety of online courses options to suit your needs:

Transform Abilities with the Swim Whisperers® Certification Program

Continuously expand your adaptive swim skills with our swim instructor certification. The multi-level Swim Whisperers® training will provide you with a toolbox of strategies to conquer challenges for swimmers of all abilities, including those with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Anxiety and any neurodiverse challenge.

All aquatic professionals including Aquatic Exercise Instructors, Swim Instructors, Swim Coaches, and anyone who considers themselves an aquatic therapist will benefit from this training.

Here are 3 reasons to dive into the Swim Whisperers® Certification Program, which stands above the rest by offering 20 modules in Level 1, ongoing learning with case studies in Levels 2 and 3, and lifetime access to Level 4, featuring annual presentations written and presented by Swim Angelfish co-founders.

3 Top Reasons to Choose The Swim Whisperers® Certification

  • Created by Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Recreational Therapy experts Cindy Freedman and Ailene Tisser
    Since 2000, Ailene & Cindy have revolutionized adaptive swim instruction through their innovative teaching methods and comprehensive training programs – setting the standard in the field of adaptive aquatic education.

    They drew on their therapy knowledge and over 30 years of experience working with individuals with special needs, to create the Swim Whisperers Methodology that all aquatic professionals could utilize. Many organizations (AEA/ATRI/ASCA/British Swim School/YMCA) recognize this course as approved professional development for their staff.

  • Continuing Education Course with Immediate Impact
    Learn how to Assess, Identify and Implement adaptive strategies to get immediate results during learn-to-swim lessons, so that your swimmers with special needs can progress with comfort. While some adaptive swim training programs focus on diagnoses and specific behaviors, the Swim Whisperers® Program takes a different approach.

    We have identified 14 common roadblocks that swim instructors frequently come across including seeking sensory input, intolerance to touch, or problems following a plan. We equip you with practical techniques to overcome these obstacles during your next lesson, empowering you to make a real difference in your swimmers’ water experience.

  • 100% Online On-Demand Training
    Our learning platform is flexible and can be accessed wherever you are, providing you with multi-sensory videos, case studies, a comprehensive manual and a downloadable workbook. Whatever your learning style, we’ve got you covered with informative, engaging and high-quality learning materials, that are continuously updated.

    Whether you have many years of teaching swimmers with special needs or you are new to accommodating swimmers with different sensory and motor challenges, you will learn concepts to help you understand the underlying reasons why your student may not be progressing in your swim lessons. You will learn how to effectively teach, and reach, swim skill benchmarks for students with diverse needs and you will be able to incorporate these strategies into your private, semi-private and small group lessons.

Grow Your Pediatric Toolbox with our Aquatic Therapist Courses

Our comprehensive online aquatic therapist training courses are specially designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, speech therapists, and professionals practicing aquatic therapy.

As therapists ourselves, we understand the importance of investing in continuing education so that we can discover new techniques and keep our skills fresh and up to date. Providing high-quality, innovative training for aquatic therapists is something we are passionate about. As experts in pediatric aquatic therapy, we will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to make a real difference in the lives of your patients and help them achieve their goals.

With 4 online pediatric aquatic therapy courses to choose from, you will:

  • Experience expert-led modules,
  • Gain invaluable insights and techniques to incorporate into your therapeutic aquatic programs and;
  • Receive CEU’s (as determined by your State).

Access our FREE Adaptive Mini Courses

We believe in the power of education to make a difference. That’s why we have 5 FREE Mini Courses covering adaptive water safety and inclusion in aquatics, at no cost.

Created by owners and adaptive swim experts, Ailene Tisser and Cindy Freedman, these mini courses provide valuable insights for parents, swim instructors and coaches of children with special needs who are struggling to gain swim skills.

Our mini-courses include:

  • Adaptive Swim Tips for Parents
    Get expert guidance on making adaptive swim experiences successful, safe and enjoyable.
  • Adaptive Learn to Swim Tips for Swim Instructors
    An introduction to the Swim Whisperers® 14 most common roadblocks encountered by swim instructors.
  • Adaptive Aquatics Equipment Tips
    Discover our favorite pieces of adaptive aquatics equipment, the purpose of each piece, and how these items can be used to develop swim skills.
  • Adaptive Techniques for Lifeguards
    Learn how to adapt your lifeguarding skills when responding to individuals with special needs.
  • Diversity & Inclusion Tips for Swim Coaches
    Expert tips for swim coaches to integrate special needs swimmers into existing programs.

Invest in your career and become the gold standard in inclusive aquatics

Whether you’re a seasoned therapist, a passionate swim instructor, or just starting your journey, Swim Angelfish offers the education and support you need to make a real difference. With our time-tested, evidence-based methodology, and continuous updates, you’ll be at the forefront of adaptive swim instruction, equipped to guide all your students towards success.

Success to us, is that swimmers with special needs are happier, aquatic professionals are more confident, parents are empowered and aquatic facilities are safer.

Together, we can transform abilities with adaptive aquatics.