SSP Makes A Splash With Accessible Swimming

October 14, 2019

SSP Makes A Splash With Accessible Swimming

A swimming programme for those with physical or mental impairments is set to make an even bigger splash with new sessions at Surrey Sports Park in Guildford, thanks to Active Surrey and a Surrey-based trust.

Dolphins swim sessions are friendly, term-time sessions open to anyone who feels their physical or mental health would benefit from joining the groups. Attendees to current sessions include people regaining fitness following hip replacements, a couple who find regular swim sessions a challenge due to poor eyesight, and a number of participants with various mental health impairments.

The sessions are designed to be sociable and everyone is made to feel welcome with swimmers aided by personal care and in-water volunteers including a physiotherapist. All swim abilities are catered for and attendees can enjoy as much time in the pool as they like.

Apart from obvious physical health benefits such as increased fitness and weight loss, the groups help support attendees’ mental health by providing a weekly activity in a friendly atmosphere.

Dolphins welcome new attendees to join them at Surrey Sports Park on Fridays from 11:45 – 12:45pm.

The Dolphins are always looking for more volunteers to help people enjoy a little period of peace in the pool. Anyone who can offer some of their time to support these swims – which mean so much to those who attend – would be welcomed by the Dolphins. Experience in care would be helpful but is by no means essential.

Lawrie Baker from Active Surrey commented:“We’re really pleased to play a part in expanding the already popular Dolphins scheme to the Surrey Sports Park. Whether you’re aiming to regain fitness after an operation or you have a disability which stops you from wanting to attend a public session, these inclusive sessions will give you a real chance to experience the freedom of swimming in a supportive environment.”

Our volunteers tell us they get a lot out of helping people from their community enjoy – for some – their first chance to swim in years. You don’t need to commit to help every week and if you have experience of helping to care for people, even better, but it’s not essential.”

If you would like to join one of the Dolphins Swim Scheme sessions as a participant or volunteer please get in touch with Cliff Bush 07752 054370 / cliffbush51@gmail.com