Swimming - WheelPower

Hall of Fame Inductee - Sir Ludwig Guttmann

Sir Ludwig Guttmann KBE, MD, FRCP, FRCS

Swimming

A fully inclusive activity

One of the great things about swimming is that it’s a fully inclusive activity open to people with a wide range of physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities. Swimming is not only a great way to get fit and meet people but is also extremely therapeutic for people with disabilities. The movement of the body in water offers a sense of freedom for those with limited mobility and can provide effective physiotherapy, making swimming the sport of choice for many disabled young people and adults.

How to get involved

Hub Clubs specialise in providing support for disabled swimmers by working locally in partnership with Swim England to deliver advice and training for disabled swimmers. They will assess the individual swimmer at local pools and signpost to the relevant opportunity, which could be a mainstream club. Joining a swimming club is a great way to develop an interest, make friends and have fun.

Find your nearest Disability Hub Club

Swimming at 2023 Inter Spinal Unit Games

Access Considerations

The law demands that swimmers with a disability have the same access to pools as non-disabled swimmers. Access routes to pools must be wheelchair-friendly and wheelchair users must have access to the water. Electric wheelchairs powered by wet batteries are not allowed on poolside due to the risk of leakage but pool operators must provide an alternative.

Access to pools for people with disabilities is set to improve even more through the introduction of Poolpod at some pools in the UK. Poolpod is a unique lift mechanism that fits to the side of swimming pools. The submersible and mobile platform enables independent access for disabled swimmers and removes the need for a hoist or swing.

The submersible wheelchair allows users to transfer from their own wheelchair in the privacy of the changing room. Once in the Poolpod, the user activates the system using an electronic wristband, it then takes around 20 seconds to lower the platform into the water.

5 steps to becoming a para-swimmer

Do you want to know more about getting into competitive para-swimming? Or maybe you have your heart set on becoming a para-swimmer in England? Have a look at the five key steps on the pathway to becoming a para-swimmer here. Many of England’s top Paralympic swimmers will have taken these steps on their journey to the top of the sport.