Children with autism taught to swim

The Peninsula Leisure Centre has started teaching swimming to children with autism spectrum disorder.

Leisure Centre instructors have been certified with national water safety and swimming specialists, Autism Swim, and are now armed with the tools and techniques to help children as young as two years with the disorder become confident and capable in the water.

Central Coast Council's group leader Ms Julie Vaughan said this specialist skill base was a necessary and potentially life-saving tool.

"Drowning is among the leading causes of death in young people with autism spectrum disorder.

"More than 90 per cent of fatalities in children with the disorder under 14 years of age are a result of accidental drowning," Ms Vaughan said.

"Certified Autism Swim instructors are provided with ongoing training, support and consultancy to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support and teach individuals with the disorder, in relation to all things swimming and water safety."

Swimming offered many other benefits for young people with the disorder and their families, she said.

These included fulfilment of sensory needs in a low stimulation environment; gross motor output, an essential self-regulation tool; increased coordination, mobility and balance; cognitive benefits including increased communication skills through skill development; increased fitness, joint stability, muscle strength and tone; assistance in training body sensation, body awareness, joint position, spatial awareness and posture control; and increased confidence through skill development and a positive social outlet.

Participation in swimming lessons year-round has proven benefits for all young people, Ms Vaughan said.

"The continual development of water safety skills is essential for all young people, especially given the nature of our lifestyles and our coastal environment.

"Swimming programs at the Peninsula Leisure Centre offer awareness, skill development, fitness and fun for all participants throughout the year."

The Centre is currently offering a second swimming lesson for $10 per week, for anyone with a regular booking paid via direct debit over the winter period.

SOURCE:

Media release, 16 May 2017

Julie Vaughan, Central Coast Council