Safe Swim for All

Safe Swim for All is a learn-to-swim program for children and adults with disabilities.

The Mission Statement of Safe Swim for All is to teach all individuals, regardless of abilities, water safety, skills to be active in the water and when applicable, how to swim. Safe Swim for All will train outside organizations on the methodology of the program, as well as resources to make the program replicable.

Children with disabilities are at risk for water-related accidents due to their lack of impulse control, and water attraction. After much research, I have found that children and adults with disabilities are turned away from their community swim lessons. They have been turned away due to inadequate staffing, a lack of knowledge of the child’s disabilities and subsequent needs, and a lack of understanding as to how to teach children with unique learning needs.

Safe Swim for All is based on my philosophical belief that all children can learn, no matter their disability. At Safe Swim for All, we have taught individuals with ASD, down syndrome, visual impairments, Angelman syndrome, sensory differences, intellectual disability, cancer, and gross motor delays. This program is a six-week program, meeting each week. Every student in the program will be given a team of swim instructors and volunteers that are trained and knowledgeable about that student and their needs.

Safe Swim for All began in 2018, in Pittsburgh PA, and was proposed and implemented at The Western PA School for Blind Children, Riverside Community, and Seneca Valley High School. Between these three locations, we have served over 100 children with disabilities and taught them Safe Swimming Skills. The program was implemented and Gianna trained staff members to assist her in these lessons. All of the children succeeded, and all learned skills that potentially could save their life in water. At Safe Swim for All Athens, we have a staff of over 30 individuals, all students at Ohio University, studying in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Education, Special Education, Child and Family Studies, and Psychology. The team has been amazing, and with our staff we provide 2:1, 3:1, or 4:1 staff to student ratio, with a lifeguard on the pool deck at all times.

Safe Swim for All is currently in Athens County where it has been successful and received fantastic feedback from the community and the Dean of the College of CHSP.

We have started this GoFundMe to provide more lessons for individuals with disabilities. This fund will be used to purchase specialized equipment for our students and provide scholarships for individuals who may not be able to afford lessons. We are so thankful for all the support we have received, and cannot wait to continue teaching our students!