5 Water Safety Basics for Neurodivergent Kids

Spend time with your kids in the water, have fun, and wear sunscreen!

Photo by Guillermo Diaz Mier y Terán on Unsplash

Nina Sporn is a swim and tennis teacher passionately dedicated to helping neurodivergent kids gain confidence and skills in and out of the water.

Nina wants to make sure that people stay safe by learning basic swimming skills, and to consider swimming as a great way to be physically fit. Nina encourages kids to develop confidence through swimming and athletics. Below are some key takeaways and insights from our informative conversation, or you can listen to the full episode above.

"All children are great at something...building a child's self-esteem and self-worth is crucial. I have had students who overcame incredible fear of the water and significant sensory issues, who have found the courage to ultimately 'let go' and swim freely. It brings me joy every time!"

-Nina Sporn

Some of the Benefits of Swimming:

• Self-esteem

• Safety 

• Strength 

• Stamina 

• Gross motor mastery 

• Overcome fears 

• Sensory soothing 

• Outlet for anxiety 

• Great exercise 

• Fun with friends 

• Contact with other children 

Teaching Neurodivergent Kids Water Skills

Nina’s passion for sports and helping children led her to work with kids, particularly those who are neurodivergent or have emotional sensitivities. According to Nina, athletics provide an excellent outlet for energy and are crucial for fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

Nina emphasizes the importance of patience, creativity, and intuition when working with children, especially those who are reluctant or averse to trying something new.

In her lessons with my son Ocean, Nina recognized how much he loved numbers, and cleverly incorporated math problems into swimming exercises to engage him and build his confidence in the water. This approach of using a child’s interests to motivate them can turn challenging activities into enjoyable experiences.

5 Water Safety Basics:

1. Floating 

2. Breath control 

3. Blow bubbles 

4. Get to safety 

5. Push off the bottom 

The Power of Intuition and Patience

Nina has an intuitive and relaxed approach to teaching. Raising three daughters and her experiences in the healthcare field contributed to her maturity and patience. Her ability to stay calm and creative in various situations helps her students feel comfortable and motivated to try new things.

For example, Nina shared a story about a child who was initially terrified of swimming. By setting small, achievable goals and being patient, Nina helped the child overcome his fear. He gradually progressed from not wanting to enter the water to joining a competitive basketball team, showcasing how perseverance and understanding can transform a child's relationship with water and sports.

Why Swimming is an Essential Skill

Nina strongly advocates for swimming for neurodivergent kids due to its numerous benefits. She highlights the safety aspect, as familiarity with water and basic swimming skills can be lifesaving. Swimming also offers great physical exercise, mental relaxation, and a way to engage in fun activities with friends.

For parents, Nina advises being actively involved and encouraging their children to love water activities. Simple, fun interactions in the water, like blowing bubbles and playing games, can help children feel at ease. Safety, however, is always paramount, and Nina stresses that parents should maintain a close watch on their kids around water.

Practical Water Safety Tips for Parents

Here are some practical tips Nina shared for parents to help their children stay safe and enjoy water activities:

1. Stay Close and Involved: Especially for very young children, parents should be the primary caregivers in the water to help them feel comfortable and secure.

2. Instill Water Safety: Teach children about basic water safety, such as floating, breath control, and how to reach the side of the pool or body of water.

3. Make It Fun: Use toys and games to make water activities enjoyable. Celebrate small achievements to boost their confidence.

4. Respect the Water: Educate children on the seriousness of bodies of water, including oceans and lakes, while encouraging them to enjoy and respect their power.

"Neurodivergent kids can gain confidence and fitness through sports, and swimming is about the best skill one can have. My mission is to expand access to aquatics for neurodivergent individuals."

-Nina Sporn

Fostering Confidence and Safety

Nina’s passion and dedication to teaching swimming and tennis to neurodivergent children come from a heartfelt place. Her mission to expand access to aquatics and her individualized approach positively impact so many children's lives. Listening to Nina and implementing some of her strategies can help parents build their neurodivergent children's confidence and ensure their safety in water activities.

For more insights and personal stories, you can listen to the full episode of Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids below. Remember, fostering an inclusive and supportive community starts with celebrating every child's unique journey and milestones.

Your comments, shares, ratings, and reviews mean a lot to me, and help other parents find our community.

Nina's last word: "Have fun and wear sunscreen!"

Connect with Nina: nsporn@nyc.rr.com