Question
What recommendations do you have for those patients who are fearful of water and do not know how to swim? Are there specific activities you start with?
Answer
Before getting an individual into the pool, regardless of their comfort level in the aquatic environment, I always recommend doing an orientation to the pool. Everyone will have their own spiel that they create, but ultimately going over the depth of the water; the variations in depth of the water and where those changes occur; the water temperature; introduction to the safety staff (the lifeguard or you as a water safety person); and finally telling them what to expect during a session will alleviate much anxiety. I have found that if individuals know in advance, and if they are prepared for what is actually going to take place during the aquatic session, they are much more receptive to the therapy session as a whole because you are not pulling any surprises on them.
Other strategies that I promote for individuals particularly if I have them in deep water is that I teach them recovery strategies before they even step foot into the pool. They should know that if they have a buoyancy belt on, it has a tendency to list them forward because all their buoyancy is settled into the back. I always let them know that if it tilts them forward, they will need to lift their heads to look at the ceiling and then bring their knees to their chest. That will bring them upright. If they fall onto their back or list onto their back, you have them tuck their chin to their chest and bring their knees up towards their chest. That again brings them upright. Teaching them some different safety strategies, showing them that you know what you are doing, and showing them that they can trust you are the best strategies that I could give you.
