Lessons for Swimmers with Special Abilities

At Saf-T-Swim, we believe swimming is a fundamental life skill, and that all children are safer and happier when they learn the basics of water safety, no matter the challenges they face. Our Adaptive Aquatics program considers the basic goals of each swimmer as we promote comfort in the water, focus on safety, and teach the basics of swimming to the extent a child’s physical and developmental ability allows.

Will my child with special abilities benefit from swimming lessons?

Lessons can be therapeutic and very calming for swimmers with special abilities. Water can soothe sensory overload and give swimmers a feeling of weightlessness and relief from physical discomfort. Other benefits include balance, coordination, strength, and range of motion. It’s not uncommon for parents to notice confidence and self-esteem boost, either. When your child learns how to swim with Saf-T-Swim, they receive all the benefits of swimming in a safe and supportive environment.

Individualized lesson plans are structured based on the goals and the interests of the swimmer.

Children with special abilities best succeed with flexible, patient, empathic teachers who use individual-focused methods. Saf-T-Swim brand Certified™ Adaptive Aquatics instructors have experience teaching the necessary skills at the appropriate time for children with a variety of special abilities, including:

  • ADHD
  • Autism or ASD and other related developmental challenges
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • Sensory struggles
  • Other Physical challenges

Our Programs:

Therapeutic Aquatic Program (T.A.P.)
Therapeutic lessons best help swimmers with muscular and limb challenges or those who struggle with head control. The goal of this program is to help children gain strength while using buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure. With this program, it is important to have a parent, caregiver, or physical therapist present with you as we begin to understand the child’s movement capabilities and challenges.

Adapted Swim Levels
Our three Adapted Swim levels utilize a specific framework and structure that helps swimmers with special abilities achieve milestones, while still allowing for flexibility and adaptation for individualized lesson plans and goals. These levels incorporate foundational safety skills as well as foundational swimming skills.

Adaptive Aquatics

Get Started

Our Adaptive Aquatics program at participating locations starts with an online questionnaire form that allows us to understand your swimmer, and their goals, and helps us develop a plan to best fit their unique challenges and abilities. We then set up a time for an on-site orientation before enrolling in lessons.

In our Adaptive Aquatics program, we recommend swimmers start with private classes to ensure proper instruction and safety. We work together with you and at the swimmer’s pace through our curriculum to reach goals and objectives.

THE SAF-T-SWIM DIFFERENCE

Swim Lessons

fun warm-water environment that emphasizes water safety

Saving Lives

across Long Island since 1984

Proven Curriculum

developed by swimming and water safety experts

TESTIMONIALS

Equasia Y.

“Our swim teacher is awesome with my son who is in his terrible two's.”

Jenn D.

“After trying 4 different swimming classes for my daughter- at 4 years old we finally found a wonderful place. Saf-T-Swim is wonderful, and quite frankly, a relief.”

Kate T.

“My daughter started at 6 months and she loves her lessons! The instructors are the best! ”
Need help choosing a class?
1 (866) 723-3794

OTHER PROGRAMS

  • Infant & Toddler Swim Lessons
  • Children’s Swim Lessons
  • Adult Swim Lessons
  • Swim Team Prep
  • Swim Camps & Clinics
  • Swim Party
  • Family Open Swim
  • Lifeguard Training
Infant & Toddler Swim Lessons

Infant & Toddler Swim Lessons

We offer infant and toddler swim lessons for kiddos as young as 4 months of age. Our goal is to help build confidence, instill vital water safety skills, and teach students how to instinctively react in a positive manner should a water incident occur. Our ParentTot classes are designed to deepen the parent-infant bond and increase social confidence while teaching vital water safety skills including floating, breath control, and kicking. Each class is taught at the child’s own pace with personalized attention from experienced instructors.

Children’s Swim Lessons

Children’s Swim Lessons

We offer progressive swim lessons for children of all ages and skill levels. Learning to swim is not only a crucial life skill, but it also builds confidence and independence. Swimming is also a great way to get exercise, participate socially with other children, and enjoy special moments in the water. Whether you want your child to develop life-saving water safety skills, learn fundamental strokes, or participate in elite competitions, our swim classes provide per

Adult Swim Lessons

Adult Swim Lessons

We offer group and private adult swim lessons in a comfortable, stress-free, warm-water setting. No matter your age, it’s never too late to learn how to swim or to overcome a lifelong fear of the water. Whether you want to learn basic swimming fundamentals, gain endurance, or refine existing skills, our passionate instructors will help you learn the skills you need to be safe and enjoy special moments in and around the water.

Swim Team Prep

Swim Team Prep

Our swim team training program is perfect for young swimmers who want to put their swimming skills to use and continue to refine their swim technique. Our experienced instructors teach kids to strive for their personal best in a team environment while improving strength, speed, and endurance. We teach proven swimming techniques that include all the fundamental strokes swimmers need to compete. Practices are designed to be challenging, instructional and fun.

Swim Camps & Clinics

Swim Camps & Clinics

Our SwimJams swim camps are a great way to get a child in the water multiple times in a week. Your child will swim four times in one week, for an individual lesson, really reinforcing their swimming skills in a shorter amount of time. This is a perfect opportunity for kids to learn who are involved in other sports or activities and can't commit to lessons for longer periods of time. Our Swim Clinics are a great way for your advanced swimmer to perfect their techniques or work on advanced strokes. The Swim Clinics are offered for an hour to boost endurance as well!

Swim Party

Swim Party

Celebrate special occasions with a pool party any time of the year at Saf-T-Swim. Perfect for team parties, birthdays, fundraising events, or any other special gathering, our swim parties provide a fun, hassle-free way to celebrate with up to 24 guests! Plus, your party will never be rained out!

Family Open Swim

Family Open Swim

Our Open Family Swim is a great opportunity to get in the water with your entire family. The more often children are in the water practicing their skills, the stronger swimmers they will become. Let your kid show off for you and see up close everything they have learned! Our heated pools allow you to enjoy the fun all year long!

Lifeguard Training

Lifeguard Training

Become a certified lifeguard through StarGuard. Our course consists of 20 hours of in person learning and 10 hours of online classes. You will become certified in CPR, lifeguarding, AED, choking, and first aid for the professional rescuer.

NEARBY SWIM SCHOOLS