INSTRUCTORS UPSKILL ON ‘TEACHING SWIMMERS WITH DISABILITIES’ COURSE

Waitaki Aquatic Centre in Oamaru hosted 8 participants for the recent TSWD (Teaching Swimmers with Disabilities) course.

The one-day course is a great opportunity to upskill and educate swim teachers who hold the National Certificate in Recreation and Sport Aquatics (Swim Education)to develop skills and gain confidence in aquatic education for swimmers with disabilities.



Swimming New Zealand’s Waikato education advisor Wendy Smith facilitated the course to participants from Waitaki Aquatics, Selwyn Aquatic Centre, Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre (CBAy) and Canterbury.

A highlight of the day was the water session and using equipment to help participants understand better the struggles that some swimmers with disabilities face even just getting into the pool.

Combining theory with practical assessments, participants commented that although they were experienced in swim teaching, TSWD course was invaluable and Wendy encouraged everyone to share their experiences and ideas throughout the day.



Lee Bell from Canterbury said, “this was an invaluable session that highlighted an area of teaching that a lot of instructors are nervous about.”

“I would also like to encourage every swim instructor to do this course to gain the knowledge and understanding needed to teach on a daily basis.”

Teaching Swimmers with Disabilities Course Content includes:

•          To understand the benefits of learn to swim for swimmers with disabilities.
•          To provide an understanding of working with swimmers with disabilities.
•          To provide basic safety for all swimmers including with swimmers with disabilities.
•          To provide the skills and knowledge to plan and adapt lessons to include swimmers with disabilities.
•          To provide an understanding of the pathways of inclusion in aquatic education.
•          To experience swimming with a disability.
•          To inform of the various agencies that can assist swimmers with disabilities in their swimming pathway.

The next dates for the ‘Teaching Swimmers with a Disability’ course are as follows:

Saturday 24 March 2018
Venue: Flaxmere Waterworld, Hastings.

Sunday 21 October 2018
Venue: TBC, New Plymouth.

For more information and to enrol email courses@swimming.org.nz

See full education course calendar here: https://swimming.org.nz/education-course-calendar.html