Swim Ireland and Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership (KRSP) have formally launched the Me, My Child, and The Water resource at the Swim Ireland Swimming Teachers Conference 2023. The resource is aimed at parents and carers of children with disabilities. It will also help swimming teachers to support children in their lessons.

Me, My Child, and the Water was created as a result of feedback received by KRSP from parents and guardians which highlighted the need for appropriate guidance and support in catering for a child with a disability when swimming. The resource, which can assist in supporting multiple age groups, contains useful guidance on things to consider when planning a pool visit, what to expect from swimming lessons and what information swim teachers will find useful to help them best support a child with a disability. The resource also presents CARA’s Tree Model, which is a useful model to use when modifying activities to make them more inclusive and accessible.

Quote: Mary McMorrow, Operations Director, Swim Ireland

‘Swim Ireland are delighted to formally launch the Me, My Child and Water resource in conjunction with our partners for the project, Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership. Swim Ireland are committed to inclusion and creating an Island of Swimmers and this excellent resource will really benefit parents, guardians, carers and qualified instructors and teachers in planning for swimming pool visits and swimming lessons for children with a disability. It contains simple guidance and steps which can be implemented and make the difference in preparing effectively. Thanks again to all those who contributed to this resource.’

Quote: Seamus Nugent, Sports Inclusion Development Officer, Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership

‘Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership have been delivering supported swimming lessons for children with disability for several years now. Following numerous ad hoc conversations with parents and carers of children with disability, we identified the need for a support resource. We feel that this resource will give parents and carers the confidence to bring their children to the swimming pool safely and serve as a guide for simple activities aimed at supplementing swimming lessons and developing a lifelong love of the water.’

The Me, My Child and the Water resource is available to download on the Swim Ireland and Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership websites. It will also be available through the network of Local Sports Partnerships.