Children with additional needs set to become junior lifeguards

AN INNOVATIVE new programme that will see children with additional needs become qualified junior lifeguards was recently launched in Tallaght Leisure Centre.

The programme is spearheaded by Sensory Fun with Friends co-founder and swimming instructor Lynn Byrne, with support from the South Dublin County Sports Partnership and the leisure centre.

The course will commence in late July, when six children from ages 12 and up who have previously learned to swim on Lynn’s swimming courses will further develop their water skills.

“The idea came about because I do swimming skills and swimming lessons for children with additional needs in Tallaght Leisure Centre,” Lynn told The Echo.

“They’re able to acclimatise to being in the pool, then they learn to swim and develop the ability to swim independently in deep water.

“I decided to take that a step further and I want to introduce them to junior lifeguarding and lifesaving skills.”

The programme will be taught using Water Safety Ireland’s syllabus, and it’s the first course of its kind in Dublin as it is being developed to accommodate the children’s additional needs.

“I see ability, not disability,” added Lynn.

“Whether they have autism or Down syndrome, it shouldn’t hinder the children’s ability to avail of the programme if they have the fundamental skills needed to participate.

“I believe every child should have awareness of water safety, regardless if they have a disability, and they should be thaught what to do if they get into an emergency.”

The programme consists of five levels, and completion of the course is expected between a month and three months after it commences depending on each child’s individual ability.

After the children complete the programme, they will be registered on Water Safety Ireland’s database and can pursue senior lifeguard or swimming instructor qualifications.

“The aim of the programme is that it will help children with disabilities to have the awareness and skills they’ll need to keep themselves safe in the water,” explained Lynn.

The first course is already fully subscribed, and if children want to participate in future junior lifeguarding courses they will need to complete swimming lessons in advance and be confident in the water.

For further information contact Lynn, who runs swimming courses for children with additional needs at a cost of €50 for a five-week term, on email at lynnbyrne1@gmail.com or @linn_swim on Twitter.

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