Swimming aides for children - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

Dina224 · 08-04-2004, 11:39 AM

Hi All,
I was wondering if anyone knew of any swimming aides for children with Cp. My son is 2 and unable to support himself in anyway. We all love the water and would love for him to enjoy it as much as us. I have concocted something with a float and a couple of noodles that works OK but I have to pretty much hold him as well. Does anyone know of any aides or anything that would work? I have tried the internet and haven't come up with much. Thanks.

Dina

musicmaker650 · 08-04-2004, 03:02 PM

Dina,
your son can't move his arms or legs? I knew a boy with no arms or legs, just stumps. He could swim like a dolphin! The restraints or flotation devices you describe will do nothing for teaching your son to swim and be safe in the water. I taught children to swim for the Red Cross and you would be surprized what children can do. If your son can move his arms and/or legs, get him some sort of vest that would support his head and keep it out of the water while allowing him to splash in the water using his arms and legs...

Flycatcher · 08-04-2004, 08:07 PM

My brother and I both learned to swim at the YMCA when we were kids. They used those short styrofoam belly boards back then (early '70's) but maybe there's better stuff available now.
Jack

randadell · 08-08-2004, 06:36 PM

look at flaghouse.com I recently recievrd their catalog and there where several flotation devices that offered head support. Flaghouse has lots of other cool stuff that might be useful to you as well.