While one cannot control the water chemistry, he/she can control personal hygiene and facility cleanliness. Giardia and cryptosporidium (crypto) are only two of the many recreational water illnesses (RWIs) that can turn happy swim memories into serious illness situations. In this article, the author discusses three factors that determine how…

This article reflects on the story of the Lambacks. Lantz Lamback is a gold medalist in the S7 cerebral palsy classification at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing. Lantz can look intimidating; however, he is gentle and courteous. His family has been an important factor in Lantz's swimming career. For the Lambacks, Lantz's swimming is a family…

When a family faces the particular challenge of a debilitating illness, disorder, or other disability that is affecting a child, life becomes complicated. Suddenly the need for medications and therapies takes center stage, and things like summer swimming lessons and lazy days poolside can get lost in the shuffle. In this article, the author…

Aquatic therapy is the use of the properties of water for the therapeutic benefit of people of all ages and abilities. This article illustrates how people with disabilities may maximize the benefits of activities in water, including individual and group work and swimming. The overall aim is to encourage family activity and social interaction. The…

For children who do not particularly enjoy physical activity, water can entice and stimulate participation in even the most reluctant. Individuals exercising in water do not feel overheated or sweaty. Fun activities engage the mind in positive thoughts. This reduces focus on how hard something is and creates an "I can do this" outlook that is so…

Debbie is a 37 years old woman with a spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. The cerebral palsy results in weakness and stiffness in many of her muscles, especially those in her legs, and these things affect her functional abilities. She is able to sit on her own but needs chairs that have support on the back and on the sides. This tenth article of a…

This article presents the eighth of a 12-part series exploring the benefits of aquatic therapy and recreation for people with special needs. Here, the authors describe the process of development and installation of an aquatic multisensory environment (MSE) and the many factors that one should consider for a successful result. There are many…

Israel Paskowitz loves surfing. As a former competitive surfer, he has spent much of his life in the ocean and absorbed in a community of athletes that share a special connection with the water. Surfing is often thought of as a spiritual hobby that brings peace and relaxation to those who experience it. However, it was not until Israel's son,…

More than 400 children with a physical and/or mental challenge visit the Curacao Dolphin Therapy and Research Center (CDTC) for dolphin-assisted therapy every year. Dolphin therapy appears to be the right approach for many children. With the help of these special and very social animals, it is easier to make contact with the children. It motivates…

In most sports and physical activities rules are present to facilitate participation, outlining courtesy during play as well as establishing guidelines for keeping any competition fair. In contrast, rules for appropriate behavior in swimming pools serve a much more important purpose--that of ensuring health and safety for all participants.…