Making Waves with Water Safety: Tips and Resources
Shining STAR Rexlynn being safe in the water!
Water can be a wonderful source of fun, exercise, and sensory input. However, water safety is critical, especially for children and individuals with unique physical or sensory needs. Whether in a pool, at the beach, or even in the bath, knowing how to stay safe around water is essential. Here, we’re sharing practical water safety tips and information about our Adaptive Swim Program, designed to help everyone feel confident and secure in the water.
Why Water Safety is Essential
According to the CDC, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental injury and death for children. Children with disabilities or sensory sensitivities can face additional challenges around water, such as reduced body awareness, heightened anxiety, or difficulty with balance. At STAR Therapies, our mission is to create safe, empowering environments where children can learn water safety skills at their own pace.
Water Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
To help make every water activity safe and enjoyable, here are our top water safety tips:
Constant Supervision: Ensure that children are always supervised by a responsible adult near any body of water. Even shallow water can pose a risk, so keeping a close eye on them is essential.
Teach Basic Safety Skills: Show children how to enter and exit the water safely, float on their backs, and kick to move. These skills are foundational in our Adaptive Swim Program.
Create a Calm Environment: For children who may be sensitive to stimuli, quiet times at pools or lower-traffic swimming areas can provide a more relaxed experience.
Stay Close to the Edge for New Swimmers: Early swimmers may feel more comfortable and secure near the pool's edge or shallow areas until they’re ready to venture further.
Use Visual and Auditory Cues: Many children respond well to visual instructions, like floating toys, or auditory cues, like counting, which help with structure and predictability.
Enroll in a Specialized Program: A program like our Adaptive Swim Program at STAR Therapies is designed to build water safety skills and self-confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment.
The STAR Therapies Adaptive Swim Program: Building Skills with Safety in Mind
Our Adaptive Swim Program offers an approach to water safety that’s customized for each swimmer. Certified instructors with experience in pediatric therapy and special needs coaching use a variety of tools and strategies to meet children at their comfort level. By teaching essential skills like floating, safe entry and exit, and water awareness, our program not only supports a child’s physical abilities but also builds confidence that extends beyond the water.
Benefits of Adaptive Swimming and Water Safety Skills
Water safety training benefits kids in more ways than just learning to swim. Adaptive swimming helps children with:
Gross Motor Skills: Activities in the water improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength.
Sensory Integration: Water provides unique sensory input, which can help children feel calm and regulated.
Social Skills: Group classes encourage interaction, cooperation, and positive social experiences in a safe space.
Safety Awareness: Learning how to navigate water safely gives children the tools to respond confidently to various environments.
Shining STARS Abygail and Rexlynn getting ready to play in the pool.
Ready to Make a Splash?
At STAR Therapies, we’re committed to water safety for all. Our Adaptive Swim Program is open for enrollment, and we’d love to help your child learn life-saving skills while enjoying the water.
To sign up or learn more, reach out to us today. Let’s dive into safety together!
