An affordable packing list to help your child get the most out of swimming while away
If you are leaving for a holiday as a SEN parent and hoping to spend some time in a swimming pool or the sea, we understand that there can be a huge amount to think about.
To take a little pressure off, we have pulled together a list of products we use regularly at SEN Swim. These links are not sponsored or affiliated – they’re simply items we recommend based on our experience.
SAFETY NOTE: Children must be supervised in the water at all times and never left alone for ANY length of time, whether using these products or not.
Incontinence swimwear:
If your child or teenager is unable to use a toilet, for whatever reason, approaching swimming can feel like a huge hurdle. The potential for leakage is stressful for you as a parent, and naturally, you want your child to feel at comfortable and confident.
We recommend trying Incy Wincy swimwear. There are lots of options, including incontinence swimwear, discreet swim-nappies for both boys and girls, as well as period swim briefs for girls.
Buoyancy and supporting independence in the water:
We are big fans of the SwimFin - a buoyancy aid worn on the back that looks like a shark fin! Always a hit. Children above two years old can move their arms freely, can practise all strokes on their back or front. Naturally, kids generally enjoy the fun element of pretending to be a shark!
Goggles – sensory appropriate
Frogglez Goggles UK are designed to be comfortable, secure without pulling at your child’s hair, and to stay in place without leaking. You can choose from different colours and styles, goggles, a half mask and a larger size for teenagers/adults. The straps are removable, and the goggles can be adapted for prescription lenses. They are easy to put on though children with weaker fine motor control may need a little help.
WellyWeight: A “dive and retrieve” toy that lights up!
WellyWeight is a great sensory toy to turbocharge underwater swimming skills, but only when your child is confident in submerging and returning to the surface, as well as having mastered the skills of not choking and controlled breathing.
There are different games and modes to choose from. You choose the timer that suits your child best – 10, 20 or 30 seconds, and it works to a depth of 5 meters. The aim is to tap the toy on the bottom or side of the pool before the time is up and the light changes.
Best to use only in swimming pools – it does not work in saltwater.
SAFETY NOTE:
● We do not recommend encouraging your child to hold their breath for longer than they have already practised, and not to attempt depths that are vastly different from what they have explored in lessons.
● Some children may need help returning to the surface, especially if they’re enjoying being underwater. Please get in touch if you’d like to talk this through in more detail.
Floats, toys and sinkers
Try going shopping together with your child for noodles, toys or sinkers from holiday shops or browse together online. Any toys that your child is drawn to will help keep them engaged and happy in the water.
Personal toys and sensory equipment
Perhaps take a look at waterproof existing toys or sensory equipment that your child plays with daily. Toys that your child loves and are waterproof can provide a nice element of familiarity and comfort when enjoying the pool or sea.
Want to learn more?
Want to talk through any of these options in more detail? Or find out more about SEN Swim lessons? Book an informal call with SEN Swim founder Joe, explore our FAQS, or send us a message at info@senswim.org.
