Medical & Special Needs Policy
Friendly Dolphin Swim School is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive swimming environment. Students with medical conditions, disabilities, developmental differences or additional needs are welcome to participate where lessons can be conducted safely and appropriately.
1. Disclosure of Medical Conditions and Special Needs
Parents, guardians and adult students are responsible for informing Friendly Dolphin Swim School of any medical condition, disability, allergy, developmental condition, behavioural concern or other circumstance that may affect participation in swimming lessons.
Relevant information should be provided before the student’s first lesson and updated whenever there is a significant change.
This may include, but is not limited to:
– Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
– ADHD
– Epilepsy or history of seizures
– Asthma or other respiratory conditions
– Heart or cardiovascular conditions
– Diabetes
– Down syndrome
– Cerebral palsy
– Developmental or intellectual disabilities
– Physical disabilities or mobility limitations
– Hearing or visual impairments
– Severe allergies
– Behavioural or sensory needs
– Any condition that may affect the student’s safety in or around water
Disclosure allows our coaches to better understand the student’s needs and determine whether reasonable adaptations can be made.
2. Medical Fitness to Participate
Parents, guardians and adult students are responsible for determining whether the student is medically fit to participate in swimming lessons.
Where there is uncertainty about whether swimming is appropriate for a particular medical condition, Friendly Dolphin Swim School may request medical clearance from a qualified healthcare professional before lessons commence or continue.
Our swimming coaches do not provide medical diagnoses or medical advice.
3. Medication and Emergency Information
Any medication or emergency procedure that may be relevant during a swimming lesson should be disclosed to the school and coach in advance.
Where emergency medication may be required, such as an asthma inhaler or prescribed emergency medication, the parent, guardian or adult student is responsible for ensuring that it is readily available and appropriately maintained.
Parents or guardians should provide clear emergency instructions where necessary.
4. Individual Assessment
Every student is different. Having a particular diagnosis does not automatically determine whether a student requires private or special-needs swimming lessons.
Friendly Dolphin Swim School may assess factors such as:
– Water confidence and swimming ability
– Ability to understand and follow safety instructions
– Communication needs
– Sensory needs
– Behaviour in and around water
– Level of physical assistance required
– Ability to participate safely within a group
– Level of supervision required
Based on the assessment, we may recommend private lessons, a smaller group, an appropriate existing class or another suitable lesson arrangement.
5. Special Needs Swimming Lessons
Our special needs swimming lessons are designed for children and adults who may benefit from additional individual attention, adaptations or a teaching approach suited to their needs.
Coaches may adapt instructions, lesson pacing, communication methods and swimming activities according to the student’s abilities and circumstances.
Progress differs between individuals, and specific swimming outcomes or rates of progress cannot be guaranteed.
6. Parent or Guardian Assistance
For some students, we may require a parent, guardian or caregiver to remain nearby during the lesson.
Where a student’s needs require assistance beyond what a swimming coach can reasonably and safely provide, the student may be required to attend with an appropriate caregiver or support person.
7. Safety
Safety remains our priority.
Students must follow reasonable safety instructions given by the coach and swimming facility.
If a coach reasonably believes that continuing a lesson would create an immediate safety risk to the student, coach or other participants, the coach may modify, pause or end the lesson.
Friendly Dolphin Swim School may also recommend a different lesson arrangement where the existing arrangement is no longer reasonably suitable for the student’s needs.
8. Illness and Communicable Conditions
Students should not attend lessons when they are unwell or have a condition that may pose a health risk to themselves or others.
This includes fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, contagious infections or other symptoms that make participation in swimming inappropriate.
Normal cancellation, absence and make-up policies will apply unless otherwise agreed by Friendly Dolphin Swim School.
9. Changes in Medical Condition
Parents, guardians and adult students must inform Friendly Dolphin Swim School as soon as reasonably practicable if there is a significant change in a student’s medical condition, medication, behaviour or support requirements that could affect participation or safety.
The school may reassess the student’s lesson arrangement following such a change.
10. Emergency Situations
In an emergency, Friendly Dolphin Swim School and its coaches may take reasonable steps considered necessary to protect the student’s immediate health and safety, including contacting the student’s emergency contact and requesting emergency medical assistance.
Any emergency medical treatment will ultimately be determined by the appropriate healthcare or emergency professionals.
11. Accuracy of Information
Parents, guardians and adult students are responsible for providing information that is accurate and sufficiently complete for the school to reasonably assess swimming-related needs and safety considerations.
Failure to disclose relevant information may affect our ability to provide an appropriate and safe lesson environment.
12. Respect, Inclusion and Reasonable Adaptations
Friendly Dolphin Swim School aims to treat every student with dignity and respect.
Where reasonably practicable, we will consider appropriate adaptations to help students participate safely and meaningfully in swimming lessons.
The availability and suitability of any particular lesson arrangement will depend on the student’s individual needs, coach availability, facilities, class composition and safety considerations.
