For individuals who use a wheelchair, accessing different environments can sometimes present real challenges. This can become a barrier to participating in leisure activities like swimming. especially when pool facilities are not fully equipped with accessible transfer equipment.

Even when a pool lift is available, some wheelchair users feel anxious about using it. Others may feel uncomfortable with the mechanics of the lift or prefer not to rely on manual lifting if they worry about being dropped or positioned awkwardly.

Aquatic therapists and swim instructors often share similar concerns from the other perspective. Many worry whether they are providing enough support during a manual transfer from a wheelchair to the pool or question whether their body mechanics are safe and ergonomic. Without proper technique or training, assisting with transfers can increase the risk of injury for the helper as well.

This is where The Perfect Lift comes in.

One of our Swim Angelfish families experienced these challenges not only at the pool, but in many areas of everyday life. She found the Perfect Lift online, and after using it recommended that we purchase some for our pool locations. The story behind this amazing product is really inspiring.

Dana Edwards, mom to Tanner—who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy—regularly faced barriers when attending social events, traveling, or visiting places that were not fully accessible.

Rather than allowing these limitations to restrict Tanner’s experiences, Dana set out to create a solution.

The result is ‘The Perfect Lift’—a parent-designed piece of adaptive equipment that allows wheelchair users to be safely transferred in a wide variety of environments.

For families, caregivers, and professionals alike, this innovation can be a true game-changer.

The Perfect Lift is designed to support transfers in many different situations, including:

At Swim Angelfish, we use the Perfect Lift at several of our locations that might not have a comfortable pool lift, or no lift at all.

As with any transfer aid, personal choice is always the top priority. Our goal is to ensure that each swimmer feels comfortable, respected, and supported while maintaining their dignity and independence.

Before beginning the transfer, the Perfect Lift should be properly positioned to ensure both comfort and stability for the swimmer.

In this video, we demonstrate how to prepare the sling and position the swimmer safely before lifting begins.

This transfer technique is designed for two or three assistants to safely support the swimmer.

In this video, we demonstrate a two-person lift using proper body mechanics. Assistants stand on either side of the swimmer, coordinate the lift together, and move in a synchronized motion to support the swimmer and gently place them on the pool deck.

The Perfect Lift can also be positioned underneath the swimmer while in the water to prepare for a safe lift out of the pool.

In this demonstration, we show how to guide the swimmer into the sling and secure the lift so assistants can safely raise them from the water to the pool deck.

When transferring from the pool deck back to the wheelchair, it is important to maintain the correct lifting angle and body positioning to ensure maximum support and comfort for the swimmer.

In this video, we demonstrate the proper tilt and positioning needed for a safe and controlled transfer.

IMPORTANT: Always lift using the top two side loops and the bottom two side loops only. Do not lift from the middle loops, head loops, or the loop between the legs. Exception: If more than two people are assisting with the transfer, additional loops may be used as needed for support.

We are incredibly grateful to Dana for creating such a valuable and practical piece of adaptive equipment. This innovation reflects the creativity, determination, and advocacy we see so often within the adaptive aquatics community.

The Perfect Lift helps open the door to more opportunities for swimming, recreation, travel, and everyday experiences.

It also provides caregivers, therapists, and instructors with a safe and supportive tool that can help reduce the risk of injury while increasing confidence during transfers.

Most importantly, solutions like the Perfect Lift remind us that accessibility isn’t just about equipment—it’s about empowering individuals to participate fully in the activities they love.