Special Needs Swimming Equipment

Swimming provides good recreation and fitness for many types of people, and those with special needs benefit from equipment that allows them unfettered use of the pool. Swimming pools are enjoyable but potentially dangerous places; unless patrons are secure on deck and in the water, accidents occur. Both children and adults benefit from having access to swimming and improve cardiovascular and mental health when they exercise regularly.

Definition

Special needs equipment for swimming includes items to help impaired patrons enter and exit the pool as well as equipment to keep them safe and comfortable in the water. Although people in wheelchairs have trouble ambulating on land, they manage to swim propelled by the upper body, supported by the buoyancy of water. Those with little body fat might need some flotation aid for the lower body.

Benefits

Swimming provides recreation and exercise to people with special needs. As an exercise, swimming increases blood circulation and improves lung function. It is an aerobic exercise and works out all of the major muscle groups in the body. Special needs swimmers in particular benefit from the low-impact exercise, which is easy on achy or stiff joints and limbs. The mental benefits of exercising in water are equally important. Feeling part of society rather than isolated from it is a major benefit of special needs swimming equipment. Participating in swimming classes or general recreation means being surrounded by able-bodied pool patrons. Melding together special needs patrons with the general population increases understanding, acceptance and public awareness of the existence and rights of those with special needs.

Accessing Features

Getting to and into pools is a major obstacle for people with physical challenges. The Americans with Disabilities Act has specific guidelines for public facilities to ensure equal access for people with physical and developmental handicaps. Just getting into a sport facility is challenging for people in wheelchairs, and hallways must be wide enough and doors self-opening to get to the pool deck. Specialized pool elevator-type lifts allow people with major motion restrictions to get in and out of the pool safely. Motorized lifts preserve the dignity of handicapped swimmers and protect lifeguards too. Hauling a person out of a pool manually has risks for both patron and guard.

Water Safety Features

Water is a potentially dangerous place, so assuring safety in the water for special needs swimmers is essential. Flotation aids, including full body flotation suits, keep swimmers upright and on the surface of the water. Earplugs help keeps infections at bay, and non-restrictive large eye goggles protect vision without making the swimmer feel claustrophobic. "Diver" style masks or goggles with a wide field of vision work well. Nose clips work for some to keep water out of the sinuses, but make others uncomfortable.

Specialized pull buoys formulated on those used by lap swimmers help lift and support the lower body of land-disabled swimmers who pull only with the upper body. Keeping the water clean and sanitary for all people means those suffering from incontinence must use swim diapers. The items come in all sizes, as do swim outfits to adequately cover pants.

Considerations

Special needs equipment that enables equal access in public places is the law, but lifeguards and pool managers still reserve the right to allow or deny access to any patron to protect public safety. Special needs adults and children require extra supervision, especially if they do not have good swimming skills. Avoiding accidents requires vigilance and training on the part of staff, and making sure that special needs swimmers are safe always is a challenge.