Volunteer Training

Many swimmers joining WeSwim may be getting into the water for the first time. Go at their pace, check what support they’d like, and celebrate small steps.

Top Tips

• start on their back so they don’t have to worry about breathing 
• stay behind swimmer, to help balance and steer
• Use floats, noodles, or gentle shoulder support if needed
• Keep communicating. “How does that feel?” is a great question.

Once someone can float they need to learn to stand independently from a back float.

Support them with a three stage process:

1. Float: start them floating on their back
2. Tuck: Ask them to bring up their knees into a tuck
3. Roll: Bring them to a stand by asking them to roll fowards/or sit up/or try to touch their toes

Then repeat and practice until they get more confident and stable.

You can use a noodle to support balance at first, then gradually reduce it as confidence grows.

At WeSwim, you’ll often swim with different people, that’s part of what makes our clubs special. Each swimmer’s needs and goals are unique.

At the beginning of a session someone from your club committee will let you know who you are swimming with today.

Top Tips

1. Start with a friendly chat. If the swimmer is non verbal then eye contact and smiles can help to build rapport.
2. Focus on goals not medical information or disability (if a swimmer wants to share they will so please don’t ask)
3. Use open questions like “How would you like me to support you today?”
4. Keep checking in: “Would you like to try it a different way?” or “Does that feel comfortable?”

We have quite a few visually impaired swimmers. Here are our tops tips to make sure they feel included and well supported.

Top Tips

1. Introduce yourself (say your name to tell them you’re there / who you are)
2. Let the person take YOUR arm. This is very important so they feel in control.
3. Give key information (like where steps, doors or pool edges are) but avoid overloading them with too much detail.

Read & watch more here: Guiding visually impaired swimmers

Sometimes offering physical support in the water is really helpful, for example: helping someone float on their back. But you should always always ask first.

Before you make any physical contact, check that the swimmer is comfortable and happy for you to do so. The same goes for helping poolside, ask before you step in.

So, whether it’s a high five, hug, or pat on the back, always check first.

Every autistic person is different, so the most important thing is to ask questions and stay patient, flexible, and curious.

Tips for supporting autistic swimmers:

• Use clear, simple language and avoid sarcasm or figurative expressions (For example: instead of saying “let’s dive in,” you might just say “let’s get started.”)
• Stick to routines where possible and introduce changes slowly.
• Give extra time for the swimmer to process and respond.
• Offer choices instead of instructions (for example, “Would you like to do widths or lengths?”).
• If someone becomes anxious or overwhelmed, stay calm, give them space, and you can also check with their carer about what helps.

Blowing bubbles can help swimmers control their breathing and overcome any hesitancy to put their face in the water. It’s an important step in developing confidence and feeling comfortable in the water.

Try challenging the swimmer to put their nose in next, then their whole face.

You don’t need to be a swim teacher to support a swimmer’s progress. Small guidance and encouragement make a big difference.

Top Tips

1. Demonstrate with small clear movements
2. Break the stroke down into component parts - separate out the arms, legs and breathing techniques
3. Use floats and the wall to support  arms or legs
4. Keep it playful and celebrate

Swimming isn’t just about strokes or technique. Simply being in the water has huge benefits.

The hydrostatic pressure of water gently compresses the body, helping to:

• Increase circulation and reduce swelling.
• Support breathing and lung capacity.
• Relieve pain by dulling nerve endings.
• Build confidence through gentle movement, like walking or floating.

For many swimmers, these benefits are just as valuable as learning to swim lengths.

It’s normal for both swimmers and volunteers to get cold in the water sometimes. You might want to wear a rash vest to give yourself an extra layer.

If you start to feel chilly swim a few lengths to warm up. First let your swimmer know, make sure they are safe and let the Club Committee know if needed. 

If a swimmer gets cold, encourage gentle movement and remind them they can get out if they need to, they don’t have to stay in for the full hour.

Once you’ve explored these videos, you can come along to your next club session and practice what you’ve learned. 

You can also ask your Club Committee for tips and ideas, or let us know if you’d like a bit more support.

We’re here to help our community learn and grow and make every swim session safe, inclusive, and fun.

As part of your application process, you’ll take part in a Volunteer Induction to get you ready for your first session. If you’d like a refresher, just let us know, you’re always welcome to join the next induction.

Our volunteers are also invited to take part in regular skills development sessions in the pool to keep learning and share best practice with others.

If you’d like to find out more about our policies and procedures you can read them here.