Quest’s Training Centers are dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. This summer, our collaboration with the North Brandon Family YMCA introduced an adaptive  swimming program designed for participants at Quest’s Training Center in Tampa.

Why adaptive swimming?

Quest’s Training Centers provide life-skills development and recreational activities that meet the specific needs of the individuals we serve. Learning to swim is a fun and rewarding activity, as well as a critical life skill.

With the abundance of water accessibility in Florida, swimming provides numerous benefits, including drowning prevention, emergency preparedness, increased confidence and improved physical fitness. The individuals served at Quest’s Training Centers oftentimes don’t have access to quality water safety and swimming lessons. Quest sought a community partner to help fill this void in accessibility.

Sharing Quest’s commitment to community inclusion, the YMCA adapted its lessons to address the diverse needs of our clients. Over the course of three months, participants attended classes twice a week, focusing on developing essential water safety skills while creating fun summer memories.

“For some of our non-ambulatory clients, it was the first time they have ever got into a pool and could feel weightless and stretch comfortably. This program was both educational, social and therapeutic,” says Nicci Lam, program director at Quest’s Training Center in Tampa.

Building confidence in the water

During the adaptive swimming lessons, the swim instructors patiently guided participants through the basics of water skills such as floating, blowing bubbles for breath control, and entering and exiting the pool. The transformations were remarkable.

Many of our more reserved individuals emerged from their shells, discovering new interests and abilities in the water. Every moment in the pool built self-confidence as they courageously faced their fears.

“Knowing how to swim and feeling comfortable in the water changes lives,” says Zitlaltzin Aguilera, senior swim instructor at North Brandon Family YMCA. “For example, individuals with physical limitations are getting more movement to feel better and stronger. It’s also about learning communication skills and following instructions.”

Impact beyond the pool

We are thankful to the North Brandon Family YMCA for its commitment to making swimming accessible. Reflecting on the success of our partnership, we are inspired by the meaningful possibilities that collaboration can create.

If you believe you can contribute to our adults’ enrichment by providing recreational opportunities and life-skills development activities, we would love to hear from you. Get Involved – Quest, Inc.