Adapted Aquatics Class Descriptions

Below are the descriptions for adapted aquatics learn to swim classes that are part of the Arlington County Aquatics Program in conjunction with Therapeutic Recreation. These classes are for youth and adults ages 3 and up who are living with disabilities. These programs use instructors and volunteers to maintain low staff-to-participant ratios to better meet the needs of all. The column on the right below indicates the skills that are introduced within each course. Most students will repeat courses to master necessary required skills. There is no set amount of time that is allotted to master specific skills, please be patient and remember that confidence and competency take time and repetition.

Adapted Pre-Fin & Me (Ages 2.5 to 4 years)

Required Skills

Preschoolers with disabilities will play and learn elementary aquatic skills with a focus on water safety, breath control, pulling, kicking and adjustment skills. Participants need no prior experience in water to take this course, just be within the age range for the course by the day the class starts.  One parent or guardian must accompany the child at all times. 

Introduced Skills

Students will learn to:

• Floating
• Blowing bubbles and submerge face
• Kicking motions
• Safety Skills
• Adjustment Skills

Adapted Pre-Fin (Ages 3.75 to 5 years)

Required Skills

Preschoolers with disabilities will play and learn elementary aquatic skills with a focus on water safety, breath control, pulling, kicking and adjustment skills. Participants need no prior experience in water to take this course, just be within the age range for the course by the day the class starts. 

Introduced Skills

Students will learn to:

• Floating
• Blowing bubbles and submerge face
• Kicking motions
• Safety Skills
• Adjustment Skills

Adapted Youth Splash (Ages 5 to 12 years)

In this adapted swim class with a modified environment, participants will work with instructors in a reduced ratio.  Participants will have fun and begin to develop water skills. The program will focus on water exploration, safety, adjustment and other elementary aquatic skills from Level 1 and Level 2 swim programs. No prior skills are necessary to take this course. Students should be able to leave parent willingly for this course.

Introduced Skills

Students will learn to:

• Enter and exit water independently using ladder, steps or stairs and jumping into chest deep water
• Blow bubbles and submerge face
• Glide on front/back 2 body lengths
• Front/Back float 3-10 seconds
• Combined swimming on front and back
• Treading water
• Safety Skills
• Adjustment Skills

Adapted Teen/Adult Splash (Ages 13 to adult)

In this adapted swim class with a modified environment, participants will work with instructors in a reduced ratio.  Participants will have fun and begin to develop water skills. The program will focus on water exploration, safety, adjustment and other elementary aquatic skills from Level 1 and Level 2 swim programs. No prior skills are necessary to take this course. Students should be able to leave parent willingly for this course.

Introduced Skills

 Participants will learn to:

• Enter and exit water independently using ladder, steps or stairs and jumping into chest deep water
• Blow bubbles and submerge face
• Glide on front/back 2 body lengths
• Front/Back float 3-10 seconds
• Combined swimming on front and back
• Treading water
• Continue with beginner and intermediate aquatic skills depending on the level of the participant
• Safety Skills
• Adjustment Skills

Adapted Open Swim (Ages 6 to adult)

This class is for participants who wish to exercise in the pool in a more fluid class structure and a modified environment.  Activities can include (but are not limited to) lap swimming, aqua jogging, and kicking with a kick board.  A reduced ratio of instructors will guide the class, but participants needing 1:1 support in the water must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Introduced Skills

Students will learn to:

• Enter and exit water independently using ladder, steps or stairs and jumping into chest deep water
• Blow bubbles and submerge face
• Glide on front/back 2 body lengths
• Front/Back float 3-10 seconds
• Combined swimming on front and back
• Treading water
• Continue with beginner and intermediate aquatic skills depending on the level of the participant
• Safety Skills
• Adjustment Skills