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Capstone Abstract

Background: Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among U.S. children aged 4 and under, and children with disabilities are more than ten times more likely to drown than their typically developing peers (CDC, 2024; NAA, 2012; Rice et al., 2016). The Ohio Annual Child Fatality Review (CFR) reported 128 drowning deaths from 2018–2022, with 41% in pools or spas, and 87% of victims unable to swim (ODH & ODCY, 2024). Purpose: To develop a proposal for an adaptive aquatics program at Xavier University because there is a need for greater access to water safety and swim lessons to reduce drowning risk. Methods: Parents and caregivers of children with disabilities ages 10 and younger were surveyed about perceived barriers, facilitators, and motivators to enroll in swim lessons. Ten indoor aquatic facilities within the Greater Cincinnati Area were interviewed. Results: Over half of the respondents’ children could not swim in water over their heads and lived within 100 yards of a water source. Swim lessons enrollment barriers included pricing, class availability, scheduling, and unmet sensory and physical accommodation needs due to limited instructor training. Interviews indicated a lack of space and resources to support children with disabilities; four of the ten sites offered adaptive swim lessons with instructors trained to work with children with disabilities. Using this information, a program proposal was developed for an adaptive aquatics program. Significance of the Findings: Increased access to swim lessons for children with disabilities is needed to reduce the risk of childhood drowning.

Publication Date

Fall 2025

Key Terms

occupational therapy; aquatics; swim lessons; pediatrics; children

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Student Contact

hartshorntabatha@gmail.com

Exploring the Needs, Feasibility, and Accessibility of Swim Lessons for Children with Disabilities
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