Facilitation Technique Category: Therapeutic Use of Exercise

Title: Just Keep Swimming

Source: "Swimming." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 15
Sept. 2016.
Equipment:
It may seem as though there is not a lot of equipment that goes into this sport, however
the few that are necessary help the swimmer perform at his/her best. In order to have a smooth
and enjoyable swim, it is important to have comfortable, appropriate equipment. These items
include a one-piece swimsuit, a pair of goggles, and a swim cap, sometimes referred to as a
bathing cap. Some individuals may utilize devices, such as kickboards, pull buoys, paddles and
fins to assist, as well as challenge his/her training.
Activity Description:
Swimming is an activity that can be engaged in with a team or individually. This activity
is beneficial to all around body development and is generally taught for lifesaving purposes to
individuals of all ages. Swimming is a great activity for participants to engage in cardio and does
not involve much weight bearing. This allows for less strain on the muscles, joints and bones. It
is characterized by the flotation and propulsion of the body through the water with different
strokes, utilizing both the arms and legs. Swimming can be engaged in a variety of sports,
including water polo and synchronized swimming. However, competitive swimming involves a
different technique and strokes. The four strokes performed are the freestyle, backstroke,
breaststroke, and the butterfly.
The purpose of this activity is to utilize the property of buoyancy of water to assist
individuals with exercises that are difficult on land, as well as decrease the amount of stress an
individual. Swimming can increase flexibility and strength, build endurance, and increase
muscular flexibility. This activity can also be beneficial for sensory integration and bilateral
coordination. The first step of this activity is to be wearing the appropriate equipment specified
above. Once the individual is wearing the appropriate equipment, it is important for him/her to
get comfortable in the water. Then, the individual should practice floating and kicking while
holding onto a wall and periodically placing his/her head underneath the water to blow bubbles
and learn the appropriate breathing technique. Once the individual becomes comfortable with
these it will be important for him/her to learn some of the strokes. They can begin with the
backstroke, as there is a bit less contact with the face and holding the breath with this one. Then,
the freestyle stroke. Learning different kicking and arm movement techniques before beginning
to attempt the entire stroke.
Leadership considerations:
The role of the CTRS is to be present and aware of the environment in and out of the
pool. It would be beneficial for the CTRS or other leadership position to attend the pool
beforehand and ensure its accessibility. It is essential that the CTRS is CPR certified and has
some knowledge of rescue skills and relevant aspects of the Pool Safety Operating Procedures.
The appropriate number of lifeguard to participants should be on duty during all activities. The
recommended ratio is 1:25 participants, however depending on the situation, more than that may

be more beneficial. The CTRS should also get in contact with the pool staff beforehand. This
way they can discuss procedures and be aware of risk management that identifies hazards,
assesses risks, and indicate how to control the hazards and risks. The CTRS should also be sure
to keep an open dialogue about the clients fatigue level, asking every so often and paying
attention to the individuals body language.
Adaptations:
Participants with Multiple Sclerosis:
Exercise is very important for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Physical exercise can
help maintain strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. Participants with multiple sclerosis
can fatigue easily and experience a worsening of their symptoms with the rise of their bodys
temperature. Because of this, class times are usually not long in duration. They can range
between 30-60 minutes or based on the individuals fatigue level. It is important to keep an open
communication with the individual about how he/she is feeling and his/her levels of exhaustion.
Because participants with Multiple Sclerosis can fatigue faster, it is important to consider an
indoor facility as he/she can be more sensitive to heat. Another adaptation that can be made to
this activity is to encourage the participant to bring along a friend. This way he/she can assist the
individual with mobility and personal care needs.
Participants with Single Leg Limb Loss:
It may be a beneficial consideration to discuss with the participant, as well as the
participants caregivers, his/her goals, abilities, and skills. This way, the activity can target
working up towards that goal and achieving successes with the client. Instructors, as well as the
CTRS, may adapt the stroke technique for individuals with single leg limb loss. Participants will
learn how to utilize a center kick behind the body versus on the same side hip. The participant
should be encouraged to experiment with his/her kicking beat. Another kick a participant could
utilize would be the dolphin kick. Swimmers with a single leg limb loss will learn how to
compensate with their arms, creating a wider arm pull. The timing of the stroke will have to be a
faster arm turnover.
Adaptations References:
-

"Swimming." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 15

Sept. 2016.

CDE, Richard Weil MEd. "Swimming: Health and Disease Prevention."MedicineNet.

N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2016.

"USA Swimming - Swimming 101." USA Swimming - Swimming 101. N.p., n.d. Web. 15
Sept. 2016.

@BucknellU. "Swimming Information." Benefits of Swimming || Bucknell University.

N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2016.

@healthline. "Open Swim: Multiple Sclerosis Water Therapy." Healthline. N.p., n.d.
Web. 15 Sept. 2016.