Swimming
Parents love seeing their children progress their swimming skills in a fun, safe and controlled environment. Each participant shows off their newly learned skills at the last class of the season. Learn more about scholarships here.
Division Info
Key:Parent & Me
Introduces floating, kicking, blowing bubbles and overall comfort in the water.
Division Requirements
- Must have a disability that limits participation in mainstream sports
- Parent or guardian must participate with child at each program
Sport Requirements
- Parent/guardian must accompany child into the water
- Child should have some head control and no risk of aspiration
- Participant does not have to be able to swim independently
Champions
Unlike other divisions, coaches in the Champions division will take sensory breaks between structured tasks as needed by each class. We strive to provide 1:1 volunteer assistance as the swimmers work to progress individual skills with direct guidance from our swim instructor who focuses on comfort in the water, swim skills, water safety and basic swim strokes.
Division Requirements
- Must have a disability that limits participation in mainstream sports
- Requires extra attention due to any behavioral or sensory diagnosis
- Needs help to follow directions and stay on task during group activity
Sport Requirements
- Child should have some head control and no risk of aspiration
- Participant does not have to be able to swim independently
Allstars
Our Allstars class strives to provide 1:1 volunteers to help children progress their individual swim skills with direct guidance from the swim instructor who will focus on teaching swim skills, water safety and swim strokes.
Division Requirements
- Must have a disability that limits participation in mainstream sports
- Must be able to follow directions and stay on task during group activity without assistance
- May need help completing activities due to physical or intellectual needs
Sport Requirements
- Child should have some head control and no risk of aspiration
- Participant does not have to be able to swim independently
Swimming FAQs
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What if my child is at risk for aspiration?
All children must be able to cough and clear their own airway. Children who are at risk for aspiration are not appropriate for our swim classes. Associated factors include, but are not limited to: children who have low arousal, lack head control, lack lip closure, lack ability to voluntarily cough, require complete dependent assistance for transfers and voluntary movement. As a rule of thumb, any condition which compromises a patient’s level of consciousness is a risk factor for pulmonary aspiration.
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What if my child has a tracheotomy?
Children with a tracheotomy are not appropriate for our swim program.
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What if my child has a gastrostomy tube?
Any child with a gastrostomy tube must have written approval from their primary physician specifically stating clearance to participate in a group recreational swimming program and must have a bandage or Tegaderm type product and a shirt or swim suit covering the g-tube.
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What if my child has intestinal issues?
Any child who has loose bowels for any reason is not appropriate for our swim program.
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What if my child is scared of the water?
Children who have extreme fear of the water are not appropriate for our swim programs. Children must have a willingness to enter the water. Kinetic Kids staff, volunteers, and/or parents will not force a child into the water if they are resisting.
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What if my child has a seizure disorder?
If a child has a history of seizures that compromise their ability to keep their head above water or that interfere with their safety and active participation in swim, they are not appropriate for this class. Parents of children with a history of seizures must stay within eyesight of their child at all times and may also be asked to participate in the class or sit inside the pool area. Parents must notify their program director of the child’s seizure history.
