Au-Some Swimmers

      I found this article so interesting and informative. I use to be a lifeguard and swim instructor, who taught both group and individual lessons. I thought it was awesome that the OT students didn't try to tell the lifeguards how to give swim lessons. They were there more to inform the lifeguard how to treat children with autism or other sensory issues. The other big goal the OT students had was to mitigate turnover. They suggested that the lifeguard "document" after each lesson on what the child had done well, what they didn't like, and what they could do next lesson with them. This was extremely beneficial, especially when lifeguards got sick or had something come up. Autistic children need order and structure, so having a different instructor each time would be traumatizing to the child, but with the new documentation, they could see what the other lifeguard did with the child and have an easier transition throughout the lesson.
     They also helped the lifeguards how to navigate swim lessons with nonverbal children. They could use pictures, songs, or even examples with the children. The OT students made sure to not lecture the lifeguards, but give suggestions. They wanted to make sure the lifeguards made the lessons fun and enjoyable for each child, even the children with sensory issues. Another cool take away I got from this podcast was that the parents were able to see some of the techniques that the OT students were implementing into the child's swim lesson; the parents could ultimately use these same techniques at home to have more successful meal times or nap time. I think this would be a great project to integrate into local swimming pools in the Memphis area or even back at my undergrad of the University of Mississippi.