Water familiarisation
Water familiarisation classes before recreating near and in water environments are a good idea for teaching anybody how to stay safe around the water. These classes provide useful information about what to do when in or around water, and are relevant for anyone carrying out water-related activities. However, there are some additional water safety recommendations specifically for people with disabilities.
Supervision
Depending on the individual, varying degrees of appropriate supervision and support will be needed to keep disabled people safe in and around water. It is important to consult your health providers before recreating in or around water for advice on what is best for your individual situation and needs. Water safety research relevant to people with disabilities shows common disabilities associated with drowning risk are epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but this research is limited and more work is required in this area.
Swimming participation
With the right support and environment, people with disabilities can learn to swim. The following learn to swim approaches can help everyone enjoy the joys of swimming and water-related activities:
- One-to-one swim lessons
- Swim with a group or partner
- Small group lessons
- At-home lessons
- Use of a safety and assistive device support
In addition:
- If you are at the pool, make sure you let the lifeguards know about your or your child's disability or condition
- Make sure your child wears a bright coloured swimsuit to make them easier to spot in a group
Assistive devices
- In publicly managed facilities, beaches and waterways, ask if there are any assistive devices appropriate for the environment (eg, a wheelchair for the beach) to help you stay safe
- Use a pool lift at the public pool with the help of lifeguards
- Use stairs, hand rails in pools for stability
- Use appropriate personal flotation devices specific for your centre of gravity. This is different for everyone, especially for those with disabilities (Grosse, 2010; Pearn & Franklin, 2013)
- Consult healthcare providers regarding the availability of appropriate safety and assistive devices for use in and around water
Water safety precautions
The advice below is for families, caregivers and people with disabilities. These guidelines should be tailored for each individual's needs.
Mobility disabilities
- Request or check accessibility information when visiting a public facility, beach or waterway
- If you are at the pool, make sure you let the lifeguards know about your or your child's disability or condition
- Wear a lifejacket
Sensory (seeing, hearing) disabilities
- Create a safety signal for you and your child to communicate an emergency. Make sure you tell any caregivers what this signal is
- Make sure you let any lifeguards know about your or your child's disability or condition
- Wear a lifejacket
- If you or your child use a hearing device, check that it can be used in the water
- Earplugs can help mitigate sensitivities in some cases
Learning disabilities
- Make sure you let any lifeguards know about your or your child's disability or condition
- Wear a lifejacket
