Aquatics Coaching Guide - Special Olympics

Teaching Aquatics Skills
Coaching Swimming to an Athlete with a Disability
General Coaching Points
There are differences of opinion on the use of floatation devices. Coaches must make their own decisions. However, if
floatation devices are used, consider not using them for an equal amount of time as a means of developing a swimmer’s
own buoyancy and orientation in water. Eventually the swimmer may not require a floatation device.
Aids and equipment may need to be modified in order to adapt to physical differences. However, the individual
should not become reliant on them.
Coaches need to be conversant with the rules of competition for the particular disability group of each swimmer in
their care. For example, FINA has particular rules for specific disability classifications that may meet the needs of a
particular swimmer or swimmers at a multidisability event. After classification, a card is provided that lists any
exceptions for that swimmer. This must be produced prior to the commencement of any applicable event. Further
details should be sought from your own national swimming body.
Modifications & Adaptations
Orthopedic Impairments
Use a pool lift or a ramp to help athletes.
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Have athletes wear a flotation waist belt.
Use the shallow end of the pool.
Use properly trained lifeguards or assistant coaches.
Shorten length of practice time.
Do warm-up exercises in very shallow water.
Ask a physical therapist to act as an advisor.
Special Olympics Athletes with Physical Disabilities
Amputees/Absent Limbs
Some amputees may have lost a significant amount of surface area that could also impair their ability to lose
heat. It is therefore necessary that the athlete consume extra fluids to help regulate their body temperature.
Care needs to be taken with a leg amputee in getting to and from poolside. Do not encourage athletes to hop, due
to the possibility of a slippery poolside. The athletes can be assisted with crutches or a chair. Frequently, the
artificial leg is removed poolside (keep it dry) so that the athlete can easily enter pool and can replace the
prosthesis on exit; a poolside chair may be required. This allows for greater independence for the swimmer.
Care is required, when a double-arm amputee is diving, as there are no arms to protect the head.
In the early stages, it is advisable to train an arm amputee to breathe to the side of the amputation. When they are
able, help them progress to bilateral breathing.
The stump must be used and moved in the same direction as if it existed. This will assist with balance.
Special Olympics Aquatics Coaching Guide
Created: February 2004