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6 • The Beacon August 10 , 2023
Swimming lessons held for those with special needs
By Jen Jones
Traditional swimming lessons can be nearly impossible for children and adults with special needs . The week of July 31 through Aug . 4 offered them a chance to take lessons at their own pace in a small group setting at Lake Park Aquatic Center .
Each swimmer needed to have an adult they were familiar with in the water with them at all times . This was for their safety but also because communication is often difficult and a familiar person could help explain the instructor ’ s directions to the student . Twelve adults and children experienced swimming lessons for the first time that week .
Starfish instructor Angie Moses said she feels swimming lessons for people with special needs are very important because the students are often not aware of the danger of water .
“ I feel that special needs individuals are left out of some activities that are important for them to learn due to others not willing to give them a chance to learn ,” Moses said . “ My goal for the class was to start off with some basic skills and see if they could get stronger repeating them every night . I am always willing to do swim lessons for individuals with disabilities .”
Moses said she feels everyone needs access to activities and to be able to learn in the way that fits them best .
“ Every person in our swim lessons for autistic individuals this week gained something . It may have been very small to some people , but it was huge to them and us ,” Moses said . “ Each individual was able to be on
Jen Jones
Starfish instructor Angie Moses , right , said she feels swimming lessons for people with special needs are very important .
their own level and was able to work on skills as they wanted to . It was a very relaxed setting , and it was great with the adult support with them as it helped them trust being in the water .”
Throughout the class , Moses asked the students to try different things and then went student to student to offer advice to the adult with the student . Each student received individual attention as
Five-year-old Marvin Brown practices blowing bubbles at the Starfish Institute swimming lessons for those with special needs . The class was held at Lake Park Aquatic Center the first week of August . Twelve adults and children with autism received one-on-one and group instructions in basic swimming skills . The classes will be offered again next summer for anyone with special needs .
needed during every class .
Some students were there simply to learn to enjoy the water while others were ready to learn
Jen Jones
new skills . The classes were kept relaxed , and students were able to work
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