Swim First - Special Needs Kids Make a Splash

We are proud to announce the start of Swim First - a special not for profit Kids First Community Service initiative.

In partnership with Fitness First Swim Schools in Dee Why and St Leonards, Kids First Children's Services is now supporting swimming lessons for special needs children.

Taught by qualified Austswim teachers who have worked extensively with children with intellectual disabilities, Swim First will provide affordable and much needed individual support to kids who, because of their challenges, cannot access regular group swimming lessons.

We publicly acknowledge Fitness First's generosity and thank leading swimming teacher Carol Chapman for joining us to make this program possible.

Swim First is exclusively for children with Special Needs such as Autism, Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

Here is how one family felt about Swim First after their son enjoyed his first lesson:

We would like to say, "thank you" so much for making us feel so welcome on Saturday. We were both very nervous on how Luke would go in the water, new environment, new people but you, Casey and Carol really made us feel welcome and you also reassured us.

It was so nice to walk in and be greeted by you with such a friendly and happy smile, straight away we both relaxed. Not only were you professional, but we could really see how much you wanted this program to work for the kids and we thank you for that.

Thanks for the yellow Kids First bag. I have told Luke that this is his special swimming bag and it is now hanging up on his bedroom door.....

Thanks again Sonja,

Luke's mum and dad

If you know of a special needs child who would benefit from Swim First, please share this information or contact Kids First Children's Services on 9938 5419

Your comments and questions are welcome...drop us a line using the links below!