Time to Budget for Empowering Inclusive Aquatics Training

By Ailene Tisser, PT and co-founder of Swim Angelfish

We are approaching the time of year when we are conducting staff performance reviews, budgeting for next year’s program growth and development, and critically evaluating how we can make our swim lessons even better. As you’re talking to your team of swim instructors, you might be identifying a common skill gap. We’ve noticed that there is a growing need for teaching staff to be better prepared for those amazing swimmers we are working with who are neurodivergent, Autistic, have sensory sensitivities or special needs.

The rates of Autism are now 1 in 31 in the USA, and sensory sensitivities and developmental delays affect 1 in 6 children. These aren't just statistics; it’s a reality we see in our pools every single day. Many of our dedicated staff are feeling a gap in their teaching toolkit when it comes to truly reaching those swimmers who learn a little differently.

Have you identified the specific areas where your team might be struggling? We all know that job satisfaction increases when you feel that you are able to do your job well.  Not only that, when swim instructors are doing their job well, customer satisfaction skyrockets and this is what drives our business and helps our programs grow. 

As you start budgeting for your next year of swim programming, it's the perfect time to think strategically about growth. Why not prioritize investing in staff training specific to individuals with Autism and other special needs?  This population of swimmers is growing, and we need to be prepared for how to teach them. 

Planning For All Inclusive Success

How are you planning to support your staff with the resources they so clearly need? Showing them you’re ready to invest in their growth and ongoing education is the best way to start. And that’s exactly where we can help! 

The population of swimmers with Autism is on the rise and tragically, they are among the most vulnerable to drowning at any age. Why? Factors like impulsivity, a strong attraction to water, challenges with motor planning, a high prevalence of eloping, and decreased safety awareness contribute to this alarming statistic.

You have the power to make a profound difference. You can fulfill your mission as an aquatic educator: to keep children safer around water, prevent drowning, and empower all children, regardless of ability, to experience the joy and safety of swimming.

You're already seeing the very swimmers who need this specialized approach. Do you have swimmers in your lessons who resist being touched? How many students do you see that have an intense fear of going under? Are some of your swimmers struggling with paying attention and following directions? We can help!

Empower Your Team: Specialized Adaptive Swim Training

The Adaptive Swim Whisperers® methodology was created by an Occupational Therapist (OT) and Physical Therapist (PT) team founded on their extensive, exclusive experience working with neurodivergent and special needs swimmers. Our mission is to help Aquatic Professionals teach these swimmers more effectively, and with greater success. Our practical, easy-to-implement strategies won't just benefit your neurodivergent swimmers. They're a game-changer for all your students, elevating your entire program.

Our multi-level certification program will empower your instructors to:

• Identify the underlying obstacles that swimmers with Autism, Anxiety, Motor, and Sensory Challenges face when learning to swim.

• Gain a deeper understanding of why these obstacles exist.

• Master the specific strategies needed to  effectively overcome them.

We're proud to be endorsed by AOAP, and as a special partner, we can offer you discounted partner pricing to get your entire team trained.

Be proactive and plan ahead to empower your team with the tools they need to help any swimmer learn to be safer and more independent in the water. We are proud to support your team's adaptive swim journey, helping you make breakthroughs with those swimmers your staff are currently struggling with. 

Bio: 

Ailene Tisser, PT, is the co-founder of Swim Angelfish.  She is a pediatric Physical Therapist with more than 30 years of experience treating a variety of diagnoses, both in and out of the water. She is NDT (Neuro-Developmental Treatment) trained in pediatrics and is trained in DIR/Floortime. She is currently certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES and a Certified Primitive Reflex Specialist. Ailene brings all of her Physical Therapy expertise into the water, where she helps children of all abilities feel safe, confident, and independent. She combines her passion and skill for working with children with special needs with the therapeutic properties of the water to achieve amazing results. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience by educating other Aquatic Professionals so that they can also make a significant impact on the lives of swimmers with special needs.