Halliwick Swimming - News!
Halliwick Swim Concept- Basic Introductory Training Course March 3rd 2012
Hydropool manager- “L.C.S.P. is such a valuable organisation to the people of Limerick. We are only delighted to have them here making use of our hydrotherapy pool”
Interest in the recent Basic Introductory Training course organized by Limerick City & County Local Sports Partnerships was exceptionally high. Ursula Barrett of Tralee I.T. led theory and practical pool-based activities and is one of only 3 tutors in Ireland with training and experience of the highest level in the Halliwick Method. The group of 18 participants were from various backgrounds- parents, therapists, childrens service workers and third level students with an interest in aquatics and teaching children with disabilities. Training was subsidized by Limerick LSPs, and took place in the warm water of St Gabriel’s Hydrotherapy Pool. Manager David Kennedy also took the training and welcomed the initiative: “We are happy to support Halliwick training and to make our treasured pool available for subsequent sessions as it is an invaluable resource for local children and adults”.
The Halliwick Concept of teaching swimming or independent movement in water to people with special needs is based on known scientific principles of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics and body mechanics.
It is applicable to people of all ages, both those with disabilities and those without.
Upcoming classes for children with disabilities:
Please click here to download Booking Form.
Halliwick Swim Club begins as a pilot 6 week programme aimed at teaching water confidence to children aged 5-10 years of age. Thursday March 8th 6-7pm start. Booking is essential for this 6 week block of sessions. Sports Inclusion Disability Officer Rosemary Ryan on Halliwick in Limerick: “Halliwick classes ran very successfully in St Gabriel’s Hydrotherapy pool in previous years. However, as volunteer instructors were not available, classes could not continue. With so many highly motivated, trained instructors now available we are delighted to support this initiative in water confidence for children with disabilities. Swimmers are taught on a one-to-one ratio of instructor to swimmer, until the time when complete independence is achieved. The swimmer / instructor pair become a unit within a group activity, so that the swimmer gains the advantages of social interaction with his/her peers, whilst at the same time enjoying the unobtrusive but constant attention of an individual instructor.
Through the medium of games / activities appropriate to age and ability, groups are made aware of the properties and behaviour of water and of how to control their own balance. Swimmers reach a stage where they experience complete independence of movement in water.
