How To Transfer a Person from Wheelchair to Pool
Recently, we received a question from one of our Swim Whisperers® certified alumni and wanted to share the answer with our wider community.
“What are some safe techniques for transferring from a wheelchair to a pool lift or from a wheelchair to the pool deck? I really want to make sure I’m keeping both my clients and myself safe during transfers.”
This is a common question whether you are teaching adaptive swimming or practicing aquatic therapy.
When working with swimmers with paraplegic spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, arthrogryposis, or other mobility challenges, safe and respectful transfers are essential for:
- Injury prevention
- Dignity and independence
- Comfort and confidence
- Long-term participation in swimming
Many families also ask:
Can wheelchair users go swimming?
Yes they can — and should! With the right support, a wheelchair accessible pool, and proper accessibility equipment, swimmers can enjoy the water safely and confidently under the guidance of trained instructors.
In this guide, we’ll walk through safe, practical, step-by-step techniques — while also covering the foundational principles that make transfers successful.
Important Safety Note:
Transferring a wheelchair user into a pool carries inherent risks. The techniques shared in this blog are intended as guidelines and tips, and do not replace formal training. Always ensure that:
- The wheelchair user has agreed to participate in the transfer, and have communicated their preferred method of being transferred and how to best assist them.
- You, as the person assisting, are confident, capable, and knowledgeable about safe transfer techniques.
Never attempt a transfer if you are unsure of your ability to do so safely. Proper training and supervision are essential to prevent injury and ensure a safe, positive experience for everyone involved.
- Importance of Collaborating with Your Swimmer
- Safe Techniques Using Proper Body Mechanics
- How to Transfer from Wheelchair to a Pool Lift
- How to Transfer from Wheelchair to Pool Deck
- Protection and Comfort
- Protection and Types of ‘Wheelchair to Water’ Transfer Equipment
- Final Thoughts: Safety, Dignity, and Confidence
Importance of Collaborating with Your Swimmer
Before we talk about techniques or steps, let’s begin with what matters most: building trust and understanding the swimmer in front of you.
Here are 3 preparation tips:
1. Support Freedom and Independence
Many individuals — whether living with a spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or another condition — highly value doing as much as they can themselves. Some may be able to:
- Maneuver their own chair to the pool lift
- Assist with standing pivot transfers
- Direct you clearly on how they prefer to move
Others may:
- Have limited verbal communication
- Require head or neck support
- Need assistance positioning their chair
The most important step is to collaborate closely with your swimmer to support their freedom and independence.
2. Show Respect
We believe that the best way to show respect to your swimmer is by taking a moment to understand their preferences. Try asking them or their parent/caregiver these questions:
- “How would you like to do this transfer?”
- “Which side feels stronger?”
- “Where would you like my support?”
TIP: Always ask before touching the swimmer or their wheelchair.
3. Understand Their Specific Needs
Before helping with a transfer, check in with your swimmer (or parent/caregiver) to understand how you can best support them:
- Can they bear weight?
- Is there a stronger side?
- Is head or neck support required?
- Are there areas of special care (surgical sites, spasticity, contractures)?
- How do they communicate discomfort?
- Is there a side of weakness?
Preparation like this, can make transfers from a wheelchair to the pool seamless.
Safe Techniques Using Proper Body Mechanics
When it comes to transferring a swimmer from a wheelchair to the pool, preparation and proper body mechanics are everything. Using the right technique keeps both you and the swimmer safe, reduces strain, and builds confidence in every transfer.
Transferring someone from a wheelchair to the pool can be different every time. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, because every swimmer’s needs and abilities are unique. These general guidelines will get you started, but they should always be adapted to keep both you and your swimmer safe and comfortable. Most importantly always confirm with your swimmer and their caregiver what is the most comfortable way for you to assist them with the transfer.
Proper Body Mechanics for Transfers
The most common injuries during a wheelchair transfer occur because instructors use their back instead of proper lifting mechanics.
When transferring from wheelchair to pool lift or chair:
Why This Prevents Injury
In adaptive swimming settings, instructors perform multiple transfers daily. Safe techniques are essential and using proper body mechanics:
- Reduces lower back strain
- Protects shoulders
- Minimizes fatigue
- Improves transfer control
How to Transfer from Wheelchair to a Pool Lift
A transfer from wheelchair to pool lift is one of the most common entry methods in a wheelchair accessible pool.
Step By Step
Never rush the lowering process. Maintain communication throughout so the swimmer is comfortable.
Meet our friend Harry as together we show you how to successfully transfer from a power chair to a pool lift so Harry can enjoy his first swim lesson with us!
How to Transfer from Wheelchair to Pool Deck
A transfer from wheelchair to pool deck may be used when:
- No lift is available
- Swimmer prefers deck entry
Step By Step
When transferring from the wheelchair to the pool deck:
Being careful and supportive is just as necessary when transferring your swimmer from the pool to the lift or pool deck when exiting the pool at the end of your session.
Protection and Comfort
Safety isn’t just about preventing injury — it’s also about making the swimmer feel secure, supported, and comfortable. A transfer should leave them confident and relaxed, knowing they are in capable hands.
Whenever possible, include a second helper, use cushions or pool pads, and communicate every step this helps with both physical safety and emotional comfort.
Always Use a Second Person When Available
Having an extra set of hands can be useful, especially when:
- The swimmer requires full trunk or head support
- They are larger or heavier than one person can safely lift
- You want to reduce strain on your own back and shoulders
- You want extra hands to guide the swimmer to the surface you are moving towards
Two-Person Transfer Technique
- Person 1: Supports the swimmer from behind at the trunk, under the arms.
- Person 2: Supports the legs
- Communicate clearly: “Ready, set, go.”
- Follow Proper Body Mechanic steps and make sure you are set up to be moving the shortest distance possible.
This method dramatically reduces the risk of injury for both the swimmer and the instructor, while making the transfer smoother and more comfortable.
Deck Comfort Considerations
Before a swimmer sits on the pool deck, think about comfort and skin protection:
- Place protective cushions, pool pads, or a towel under the swimmer’s seat
- Ensure the surface is dry or slip-resistant to prevent accidents
- Check for areas of pressure, especially for swimmers with spinal cord injuries or reduced sensation
These small adjustments show that you care about the swimmer’s safety and dignity. When a swimmer feels secure and comfortable, confidence in the water grows — and so does their independence.
Protection and Types of ‘Wheelchair to Water’ Transfer Equipment
Knowing how to use a variety of accessibility equipment will give you the confidence to help swimmers access the water safely and comfortably.
ADA Considerations
In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires accessible means of entry for many public pools. This often includes lifts or sloped entries.
At Swim Angelfish, all of our locations feature wheelchair accessible pools designed to support inclusive participation.
Common Equipment Options
Every facility is a little different, so taking the time to get familiar with your space is an important part of keeping transfers safe and comfortable for your swimmer.
Final Thoughts: Safety, Dignity, and Confidence
Transferring from a wheelchair to the pool is about so much more than technique — it’s about connection, trust, and empowerment.
It can be:
- A moment of trust between swimmer and instructor/therapist
- A gateway to independence in the water
- An essential part of adaptive swimming that builds confidence
- A foundational skill in aquatic therapy that opens doors to movement and freedom
When transfers are done with collaboration, careful preparation, and the right equipment, swimming becomes a space where people with paraplegia, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, arthrogryposis, and many other mobility challenges can feel safe, supported, and free.
The pool then becomes a space of possibility, where wheelchair users can move, explore, and gain confidence in their own strength and independence.
