We are not all in the same boat. We are all in the same storm.

The barriers to inclusive swimming start before you even get poolside…

Swimming and water safety is a life skill, yet many children with disabilities or neurodiverse needs face barriers in accessing lessons - despite being MORE at risk of a drowning incident.

At Swimming Buddies, we believe every child deserves the chance to feel safe and confident in water. True inclusion means far more than turning the lights down.

I've been involved in swim school management for more than 15 years. Through my experience in mainstream swim schools and interactions with family and friends affected by autism, there is still a lack of specialised services for neurodivergent children.

Autism Swim says:

• Over 90% of children under 14 who have had a water-based incident are diagnosed with autism.

• Neurodiverse children are 160 times more likely to experience drowning incidents.

Driven by a passion to reduce these statistics Swimming Buddies was born and the demand for our services is higher than ever. Which on one hand is great, but I’d rather see readily availble truly inlusive services being the norm, not the rarity it is.

Inclusive swimming means:

✔️ Adapting teaching styles to different learning needs and using the right communication methods for the right child

✔️ Creating safe, sensory-friendly environments

✔️ Building water confidence at each child’s pace

Being part of the Swimming Buddies swim programme offers more than just water confidence and know-how, it creates a safe, supportive space that nurtures mental well-being for both parents and their Buddies.

Coach Mattie and Meghan have a special bond in the water

The shared experience of learning and growing together in the water fosters deeper emotional bonds, reduces stress, and builds a sense of community among families. For parents, the programme can ease feelings of isolation and anxiety, offering reassurance through connection with others facing similar challenges. For Buddies, swimming becomes a joyful outlet that encourages self-expression, boosts confidence, and supports emotional regulation in a sensory-friendly environment. It's not just about swimming, it's about healing, connecting, and THRIVING together. It's therapy, in the water.

As an inclusion-focused swim coach, I’m committed to ensuring no one misses out on the joy & life-saving benefits of swimming.