Swimming for the Mentally Retarded

by Ann McCall Zito, Fred Kirsch and Susanne Haverline

The handicapped feel a sense of satisfaction from recreational swimming. It helps develop a more positive self image.

". . . recreation for the handicapped is a need and a right, not charity, that these persons are entitled to recreation and camping programs throughout the year, and that the recreation needs and interests of the handicapped are the same as those of the non-handicapped."

("Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," Annual Report Recreation Center for the Handicapped, Inc., San Francisco, Calif., 1972.)

Swimming has for about the last thirty years proved to be one of the most successful programs provided by public recreation agencies. It can be enjoyed by every member of the family either together or independently, and in many places all year round. This sport calls upon the simultaneous use of every muscle in the body. An attempt to do scientific swimming strokes tends to increase range of motion, calls for control of body movement with rhythmical motions, and promotes deeper breathing. Everyone should know at least some water survival techniques to prevent accidental drowning.

The mentally retarded are no exception to the rule that everyone should learn as much as possible about swimming and safety, in and about the water. Swimming is enjoyable to the mentally retarded and it affects them positively in many ways. This activity gives the retarded person a sense of independence he is not likely to experience in other sports activities.

In water, physical deformities and mental deficiencies become less obvious. The handicapped can maneuver more easily in the water than on land and thus feel a new freedom of movement perhaps never enjoyed before. Of course, it is important that a mentally or physically handicapped person have his doctor's permission before joining any swim program.

Although it is important that swimming skills always be taught by a trained instructor, it is especially important for the handicapped and retarded. The retarded need close supervision both in the water and all areas surrounding the swim area. Special instruction, repetition using simple language, and individual assistance in the water, works well with this type of group.

A special swim program for mentally retarded adults was instituted this past summer with great success by the Memorial Park District of Bellwood, Illinois. The program was part of the therapeutic recreation program, the "Out and About Program," that is a year-round, weekly activity of social and recreation programs in the community for mentally retarded adults. This program has been made possible through the combined efforts and funding of

Illinois Parks and Recreation 24 March/April, 1975

Memorial Park District, Proviso Township Revenue Funding, and by the Proviso Association for Retarded Citizens.

The swim program was held for five consecutive Saturday mornings for two hours at one of the park district's pools. The program was staffed by twelve young men and women who were lifeguards or water safety instructors, or staff members of the "Out and About" therapeutic recreation program. In addition to these paid employees there were nine individuals who volunteered their services to the program.

The goals of the program were:

1. To provide opportunities for social and emotional development.

2. To provide opportunities to learn sportsmanship and team awareness.

3. To provide educational opportunities.

4. To provide a wholesome and worthwhile physical and recreational outlet.

5. To provide opportunities to learn good health habits.

6. To provide a wide base of experience skills to advance to more complex swimming skills.

7. To provide education in water safety skills and promote a healthy respect for the water.

8. To provide training in the proper use of public swimming facilities.

There was a total of twenty-seven students enrolled; the ages ranged from seventeen to twenty-five. Twelve of the clients were mildly retarded, thirteen were moderately retarded and two were severely retarded. The majority of the group had no major physical disabilities with the exception of two students who were blind. The clients' families were responsible for the transportation to and from the program.

The first hour of each week was devoted to formal instruction. Students were tested to determine their skill levels and then placed in the appropriate station to begin a step-by-step approach toward learning to swim.

In the second hour of each class, students were involved in organized games and contests and in free swim periods. At the conclusion of the swim program post-tests were administered to measure the progress of the students.

The purpose of the program was both recreational and educational. The program was instituted under the premise that learning to swim (or some of the skills needed for swimming) will provide the handicapped individual with a feeling of satisfaction which will relate to development of greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 March/April, 1975