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Doc 1.2.03: Version No: 2
Issue Date: December 2002

The AUSTSWIM Council encourages people with a disability to be involved in aquatic activity programs. Programs should be conducted by persons holding an AUSTSWIM Teacher of People with a Disability Certificate.

1. Promotion of aquatic programs

Promotion of aquatic programs for people with a disability should be appropriate and accurate. Participation in aquatic activities should offer participants involvement at a pace and level consistent with individual ability and skill. The degree of involvement should never be forced.

2. Participation

Aquatic educators/facilitators should enhance participation opportunities for people with a disability, however individual rights should be respected. All students have the right to:

• Participate at a level appropriate to their maturity and ability.
• Be qualified teachers.
• Be involved in decision-making processes.
• Be presented with an equal opportunity to:

  - strive for success
  - think for themselves
  - take responsibility for their actions
  - establish new relationships
  - enjoy the aquatic experience.
  - where appropriate be involved in mainstream programs.

3. Program enrolment/medical details

Medical and data release forms should be fully documented prior to participation. Facility management will need to be alerted to any potentially serious health and/or behavioural management issues, which may impact upon aquatic involvement. A sick or unwell student should not be permitted to participate within a program until fully recovered.

4. Teacher / facilitator qualifications

The AUSTSWIM Teacher of Aquatics to People with a Disability is recognised, as the minimum qualification required by the principle educator.

5. Water and air temperature and water depth

Venues should be selected according to the student's condition and skill level. Warmer temperatures are necessary for those students with a physical disability who are less mobile. The ambient air temperature should be equal to or higher than the water temperature. The water depth should be appropriate to the size and ability of the students.

6. Pool and associated facilities

Venues should have access that is appropriate to student requirements. Parking facilities, change room and pool access should cater for the needs of all students.

7. Appropriate clothing

Clothing specifically designed for aquatic activity should be worn by participants and facilitators. Swimwear of participants in particular should be tight fitting around the top of the legs to contain loss of bowel control.

8. Session duration

The duration of a class will be dependent upon group and individual needs. Class and session duration should encourage enjoyment and involvement but not over extend or tire students.

9. Class size and ratios

The teacher/pupil ratio will vary according to the type of disability and the level of the teacher's aquatic skill. Students with high support needs will require 1:1 supervision by an AUSTSWIM qualified teacher. Classes consisting of students capable of independent aquatic movement and skill should have a maximum of 5 students to 1 AUSTSWIM qualified teacher. At all times, an independent observer is required on the poolside.

10. Assessment and behaviour management

Student's behaviour should be assessed prior to placement within programs. The assessment process should be continuous in order to meet the needs of the student. Acceptable behaviour patterns and adherence to aquatic safety rules should be stressed at all times. Integration into mainstream programs is encouraged. Consideration to the qualification and experience of the teacher and the capability of the students in the class must be made.

11. Flotation aids / equipment

Flotation aids are recommended for the latter stages of aquatic skill development. Care should be taken to ensure students do not become dependant upon flotation aids. Flotation aids are not a substitute for constant supervision.

12. Hydrotherapy versus aquatic activity:

Hydrotherapy "is a pool therapy program specifically designed for an individual to improve neuro-musculo-skeletal function, conducted and supervised by appropriately qualified personnel, ideally in a purpose-built heated hydrotherapy pool" - Hydrotherapy Services Advisory Committee Report (1986).

Aquatic Programs are designed for people with a disability and provide a framework for development based on sound hydrodynamic principles referred to as "Body In Water". The premise of this method is that no controlled movement occurs unless initiated from a position of balance. The philosophy is to take a systems approach through the integration of fitness, recreation, rehabilitation and motor learning to develop security, control and independence in water. The ultimate aim is for controlled movement or swimming. Although not the primary aim of the a program, it does incorporate the therapeutic benefits of water.

13. Integration into Mainstream Programs

Integration of people with disabilities into mainstream programs should be encouraged wherever possible with the appropriate consideration of class size, teacher qualifications and the meeting of the needs of all students.

Copyright © 2002 by AUSTSWIM Ltd.
Version No: 2
Issue Date: December 2002