Learning to swim is a rite of passage for many children; it is a fun and healthy activity, as well as a valuable life skill. Sadly, for many children and adults with disabilities, accessing swimming lessons with appropriate pools, equipment and instructors, is no mean feat.
Here at Seashell, we are proud to be able to offer fully inclusive swimming opportunities for both our students and members of the community – and have done so for many years. However, now is an especially exciting time to make a splash in our brand new, state-of-the-art swimming pool (The Bertie Broome Swimming Pool) complete with moveable floor and self-depositing steps. These new and inclusive features make for a highly dignified swimming experience for people with physical disabilities.
As swimming is a safe and low impact physical activity for people with mobility issues due to a disability, medical condition, or an injury – this is a much-needed facility within our community, and was designed and installed by aquatic specialists, FT Leisure.
Lead Internal Swim Instructor, Clair Ravenscroft explains: “I’ve been a member of the Active Team for almost 10 years, and over that time I have seen the amazing impact that swimming can have on individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. So few organisations are able to provide the inclusive swimming opportunities that we can here at Seashell, so it is a crucial facility for both our students and members of the community.
Swimming is an integral part of the Seashell curriculum and the skills students learn poolside can help with their overall coordination, rehabilitation, confidence, social skills, plus much more…not to mention how fun it is!
We work with our colleagues and families to create individual goals, and it is just remarkable seeing our swimmers develop valuable new skills, or simply gain the courage to take part. Seeing a learner swim for the first time without float aids, or have the bravery to jump in for the first time after having years of fear and anxiety is something so special.
As well as our learner pool, we also have a Hydrotherapy pool with sensory equipment and a bespoke hydraulic platform for trolley beds – this means that everyone can access these facilities.
Working at Seashell is so inspiring and I am proud to be part of the team. My amazing colleagues put their heart and soul into the education and support of our students…I’m excited to see what the future holds.
In my spare time I like getting out for a kick about and find football a good way to wind down after a busy day – I’m not Lucy Bronze, but I’ve scored a few!”
