Dani Dickinson is a passionate swim instructor and founder of Little Swimming Co, where she focuses on creating positive, inclusive and confidence-building experiences in the water.
With a strong understanding of how different children and individuals engage with swimming, Dani specialises in adapting lessons to meet each swimmer’s unique needs. Her approach centres around connection, trust and making swimming accessible for everyone, not just those following a traditional pathway.
Learn more: https://www.littleswimmingco.co.uk/
Swimming is widely recognised as both a sport and a physical activity, often associated with fitness, challenge, competition and lifestyle. However, when we shift the lens of swimming from being purely a sport to an experience, we open the door to true inclusivity.
Swimming is a wonderful activity, but to fully embrace inclusion, we need to rethink how we present it. For many individuals, swimming is not about progression, performance or competition. It is about connection, comfort and experience within the water.
Only a small percentage of swimmers will move beyond lessons into competitive or performance pathways. For the majority, swimming exists outside of sport. It becomes a space for exploration, regulation, enjoyment, recovery, strength, conditioning, coordination, safety and personal achievement on an individual level.
Water is an incredibly sensory medium. It offers pressure, resistance, buoyancy and freedom of movement that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
By recognising swimming as more than just a sport, as a sensory and personal experience, we create space for everyone to belong in the water, regardless of their goals, abilities or outcomes.
Creating inclusive lessons does not require a complete overhaul of an instructor’s teaching. It starts with awareness, connection, small adjustments and a consistent, supportive approach.
Each swimmer arrives at the pool with their own unique presentation. More often than not, a label of impairment is attached before anyone has had the opportunity to truly understand who that swimmer is as an individual.
Whilst these labels are important for health, safety and risk assessment, they should not define the swimmer or shape expectations from the outset. They are only one part of the picture, not where the swimmer’s story begins or ends.
Inclusive practice starts with seeing the person first, not their labels, and allowing each swimmer the opportunity to show us who they are, what motivates them and what they enjoy about being in the water.
Creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, heard and cared for provides far greater inclusivity than any course alone. Combining practical knowledge with empathy, sensory awareness, connection and support allows instructors to fully embrace inclusive practice.
This environment begins on poolside long before a lesson even starts.
Some tips to develop inclusive aquatic practices:
Break skills down
Breaking skills down into a digestible format is key. Each experience is dynamic and should adapt to the changing needs of the swimmer. Understanding how each individual communicates and learns best helps build engagement and supports progress towards personal goals.
Expand your toolbox
Rigid teaching methods can limit success. Being flexible in your approach allows you to meet swimmers where they are. Some swimmers benefit from demonstrations, visual cues, adapted instructions, repetition, equipment, toys or games. Varying how you communicate ensures everyone can understand and take part.
Structure with flexibility
Overly rigid lesson plans can create unnecessary pressure for both instructors and swimmers. Allow space for breaks, adjust expectations and offer alternative ways to complete tasks. The goal should always be progress, not perfection.
Support confidence in the water
Confidence is often the biggest barrier to learning. Building confidence starts with strong foundations. Celebrate small wins, listen to individual needs, avoid rushing and focus on building trust through consistency. A confident swimmer will gain far more from their time in the water.
Being an inclusive swim instructor is not about having all the answers. It is about being observant, adaptable and willing to meet swimmers where they are. Small changes can have a lasting impact.
By creating an environment where all swimmers feel supported and valued, you are not just teaching swimming. You are helping individuals build confidence that reaches far beyond the pool.
