Our adaptive Swim Whisperers® Lessons are life-changing for swimmers with special needs.
We tailor lessons to meet the specific needs of each individual and include modifications, compared to the traditional swimming curriculum, so that they can learn in a way that is comfortable for them.
Our instructors are certified in the Swim Whisperers® Program and are specifically trained to work with individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. They are skilled in using our unique Swim Whisperers® methodology to adapt lessons to meet the unique needs of each student, whilst prioritizing safety.
Which Lesson is right for my child?
Choosing the right swimming lesson for your child can be difficult. It’s important to consider your child’s specific goals, learning style, current skill level, and overall comfort in the water. We will help to guide you through the options to find the right class for your swimmer.
Find a Pool Near You
Swim Angelfish offers Angelfish aquatic therapy and Swim Whisperers swim lessons in multiple locations including:
- Fairfield County, CT
- Westchester County & Rockland County, NY
- Middlesex County & Norfolk County, MA
- Rockingham County, NH
How are Adaptive Swim Lessons different to Aquatic Therapy?
Adaptive swim lessons are designed specifically for individuals with disabilities or special needs. These lessons aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to learn how to swim, improve their swimming skills and gain water safety awareness.
Our adaptive swim lessons provide individuals with disabilities or special needs the opportunity to learn an essential skill, build confidence in the water, and enjoy all the benefits of swimming in a supportive and inclusive environment. Adaptive swim lessons differ to aquatic therapy because the latter uses the properties of water to help patients advance toward specific therapy objectives.
Adaptive Swim Lesson FAQs
In this FAQ, we help to answer any additional questions you may still have about our adaptive swim lessons.
Swim Whisperers® swim instruction is based on the Swim Angelfish Methodology. Our instructors assess and identify the underlying problem the swimmer is having learning to swim, and then implement the strategies they need to overcome these roadblocks. In short, the goal of Swim Whisperers® is to turn any child into a confident and independent swimmer, no matter their situation or ability.
The Swim Whisperers® program was specially designed to cater to children with severe to mild sensory issues, problems with motor skills, difficulty processing information, attention issues, or any other condition that might physically or psychologically impede the process of learning to swim. In some cases, the obstacle may be something as simple as a child who is unwilling to put their head under water, or who is terrified to let go of the side of the pool. Our program addresses all kinds and severity of challenges.
All of our Swim Instructors are trained in the following:
- Starfish Aquatics Institute: The Starfish Swim School Instructor Development System©
- First Aid and CPR
- Adaptive Swim Whisperers® Certified
Absolutely! This is our specialty. We use a range of adaptive techniques that have been proven to work with individuals who have a fear of the water or are anxious swimmers. Read our inspirational blog about one of our swimmers and their journey from fear and anxiety to fun and independence.
For both aquatic therapy and Swim Whisperers, we offer Private, Semi-Private (2 children), or Group (3-4) sessions. Generally, children start with private sessions to establish basic skills, then work their way up to semi-private and group sessions, which offer increased social interaction benefits.
Building a strong bond matters! That’s why we usually pair your child with the same dedicated Swim Whisperers® instructor for continuity and comfort. This allows your child to build a trusting relationship and make consistent progress. In rare cases, if a substitute is needed, we’ll make sure they’re fully informed about your child’s goals and routines to ensure a seamless transition.
There are several things we can do to help ensure that your child’s first swim lesson at Swim Angelfish is a success! Once you have a spot in our lesson program, we will send you some helpful suggestions which include visiting the pool in advance, having an intake call with your swim instructor (so that we can understand how to best help your child meet their goals), establishing a routine for coming to each lesson, bringing comfort items with you as well as using positive reinforcement and being patient.
Supporting your child’s swim skills at home is a great idea! You can practice many skills in the bath, like blowing bubbles, learning how to breathe properly, and simple at-home exercises that can help with a child’s motor planning, muscle strengthening, and body control.
Once you begin lessons with us, your instructor will provide you with a Home Exercise Program (HEP) that will guide you through some other ideas to try.
Yes, we do. We offer adaptive swim lessons to people of all ages! Our method works with all ages and abilities and the ability to be in a private lesson can provide an opportunity for an adult to learn in a comfortable and supportive environment.
To enroll in our Swim Whisperers® Swim Lessons or Angelfish Aquatic Therapy sessions, please start by visiting our Registration page and choosing your region – either Massachusetts & New Hampshire or Connecticut & New York – and then continue to complete the registration form.
We will contact you to find a time and instructor that works best for your child.
No. However, certain state programs provide funding for swim lessons through grants – so please contact your local authorities to understand more about their funding and support programs.
The Payment is due at the time of service. Once you register, we ask that you enter a credit card into your account. Mind Body is a secure system that stores your credit card information before your first lesson and it will be charged after your session. We will charge your card on file within 24 hours of your service.
Our team does not have access to the account number or credit card information.
To find a swim instructor who has completed the Swim Whisperers® Multi-Level Certification Program near you, search for them on our global map.
