How The Y Supports Swimmers of All Abilities

This summer, the YMCA of Greenwich introduced an exciting new program: Adaptive Swim Lessons, specially designed to help individuals with disabilities achieve safety and independence in the water. Our highly trained swim school staff, certified by Swim Angelfish—the global leader in adaptive swim instruction—tailor lessons for individuals with ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, and other emotional, physical, or sensory challenges.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Abilis Community Foundation, we certified our instructors in the Adaptive Swim Whisperers® Program this past July. This training equips them with the tools to adapt teaching methods to the unique needs of each swimmer, making the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.

“The Abilis Community Foundation is happy to have been able to support the Greenwich YMCA in building this wonderful program that provides adaptive swim instruction classes for our community. We look forward to hearing additional success stories from them,” said Hal Ritch, President of the Abilis Community Foundation.

Through Swim Whisperers® Adaptive Aquatics Training, our instructors are ready to help swimmers overcome common challenges and gain confidence in the water. “The instructors who are now certified in the Adaptive Swim Whisperers program will greatly impact swimmers of all abilities at the YMCA of Greenwich. They have the tools to assess and identify underlying obstacles and implement strategies for swim success,” shared Ailene Tisser, Co-Founder of Swim Angelfish.

Our Adaptive Swim Lessons are available as private or semi-private sessions, with options for 30- or 60-minute lessons. These sessions focus on building a strong foundation of swimming skills and stroke techniques, ensuring every swimmer feels safe, supported, and empowered.

One of our goals is to nurture each swimmer's potential while creating a safe and enjoyable environment. Over time, we hope to help children and adults progress their skills and join inclusive swim lessons as the program evolves.

Maja Dubois, grandparent of a child who has participated in adaptive lessons at the YMCA of Greenwich, shared their positive experience: “We are so grateful for the Adaptive Swim Program at the YMCA of Greenwich and for my grandson's incredible instructor. After being fearful of the water due to past experiences, my 4 ½-year-old grandson, who has slight sensory issues, now trusts his instructor completely and is becoming an enthusiastic and confident swimmer—happily submerging his head and making big progress with each lesson!”

We’re proud to offer this program and make swimming accessible to everyone in our community.

To learn more about Adaptive Swim Lessons at the YMCA of Greenwich or to schedule a session, visit greenwichymca.org/programs/aquatics/adaptive.