Children with disabilities and special needs can look forward to learning to swim this summer at Holiday Swim Therapy sessions in Bath.
Holiday Swim Therapy sessions are organised by Bath Swim Therapy and are led by experienced physiotherapist and Halliwick swimming instructor Pamela Galloway.
They run for three weeks in the summer holidays at Three Ways School’s Hydrotherapy pool in Odd Down, a small warm water pool with fully accessible changing facilities and at Longwell Green Leisure Centre.
Taking place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 20th to August 6th from 10 – 1pm at Three Ways School, each session lasts an hour and gives each child and carer 20 minutes individual swimming tuition or hydrotherapy plus free time in the warm water of the hydrotherapy pool.
Sessions on Wednesday from 1.30 – 4.00 are held at Longwell Green Leisure Centre so younger children can benefit from activities in the shallow water of the Learner Pool.
The swimming sessions are designed specifically for children and young people with disabilities and special needs to keep active during the summer break and are an opportunity for parents and carers to learn how to support their child learn to swim and become confident to take them swimming on their own.
Bath Swim Therapy physiotherapist, Pamela Galloway said: “We run sessions in term time but some children find it too exhausting alongside nursery or school and so it’s great for them to have this opportunity to get some specialist instruction during the holidays.
“Sometimes the ones who do make it to our term time sessions also come in the holidays – when they do they’re often like different children!”
Other members of the families of children with special needs are also welcome at the sessions.
Mum, Alison Douthwaite said: “Physical exercise is so important for my daughter and because of her level of disability, swimming is her favourite activity.
“She really enjoys the holiday sessions and they mean she can continue to be fit and active over the holidays.
“They are also a brilliant opportunity for her to meet up with her friends as she can be quite isolated in the long holidays.”
Booking is essential for these classes and Pamela recommends booking early to guarantee a place.
For more information and to book call 07989 122389 or email [email protected].
More information can be found on the Bath Swim Therapy website www.bathswimtherapy.org.uk.
