David - Swimmer with a Learning Disability

David is a swimmer in a very good club programme. He has a short attention span, has days where he seems totally disinterested and has problems understanding and remembering the instructions that are set out for the training set. How can we help?

• Make sure that instructions are clear, simple and are repeated often
• Simplify instructions e.g. 4 lengths rather than 100m
• Write down notes or instructions for David to follow
• Use diagrams and key words that may help David understand or demonstrate as you explain
• Appoint a training buddy for David
• Allow David a "5 minute time out" if he becomes stressed
• Allow the use of earplugs to help take away the distraction of surrounding noise during training

Stephen - Swimmer with a Physical Disability

Stephen is 12 years old and swims in a junior squad at his club. He is unable to use his right arm and has a slight weakness in his right leg. He has a tendency to swim on his right side due to being off balance. How can we make sure Stephen is reaching his full potential?

• Modify training loads to make sure he is not swimming separately to the group but ensuring he is covering the same skill work
• Find out more information from Stephen, his parents and/or his physiotherapist
• Use equipment such as fins or floats to help realign his body shape in the water
• Use basic strength exercises and stretches to strengthen weaker muscles
• Look at modifications to stroke and kick technique
• Look at stroke exceptions that are allowed for his classification and work within these

Nikki - Swimmer with a Visual disability

Nikki swims in a Learn to Swim programme with her Local Authority. She has very limited sight in both eyes, has trouble seeing the wall and swimming in a straight line. This can cause her to bump into other swimmers. How can we make sure that Nikki is included better?

• Use Clear audible instructions and ask that Nikki understands
• Mark the wall with a bright coloured piece of equipment that will stand out. This may help with her judging where the wall is
• Be very descriptive in how you give instructions
• Request permission to physically manipulate her body for desired technique on poolside
• Appoint a training buddy
• Allow Nikki to swim against a lane rope  so she can feel her position in the lane
• Use a taper or cue do show that wall is approaching
• If the lane is crowded, look to offer a lane with less swimmers in it

Bethan - Swimmer with Hearing Loss

Bethan has been training at a neighbouring club but has asked to move your your club. She has total hearing loss but would like to compete at an international level. How can we include Bethan?

• Use visual cues or diagrams to help demonstrate instructions
• Look at developing some sign language skills that are specific to swimming
• Very little modification required