Swimming

Contact us

Swimming is the activity of propelling yourself through the water using your body and limbs.

There are various disciplines of aquatic activity and these can include pool swimming, synchronised swimming, diving, water polo and open water swimming.

As a beginner it can help build confidence around water as well as strengthening muscles and cardiovascular health. Swimming is a true full-body workout and can be adapted in a wide variety of ways for a range of disabilities.

As well as the physical benefits of swimming it is also a great way to reduce stress and can be an incredibly relaxing way to exercise. It is also one of the most readily available activities in the country with pools found across the UK.

What equipment will I need?

You will need swim wear such as a swimming costume, trunks, shorts, Burkini etc.

You may need goggles and a swim cap (some leisure centres require swim caps to be worn so ensure you check upon booking)

Lesson providers or leisure centres may provide floats or other floatation equipment, especially if booking in for a lesson.

Where can I take part

Swimming and CP Sport

Cerebral Palsy Sport offer a range of opportunities for swimmers with cerebral palsy from introductory sessions for new swimmers through to specialist coaching and competitive galas, tailored awareness and education courses.

CP Sport swimming events include:

  • The National Swimming Championships- a friendly and competitive event. They take place annually in Nottingham and the gala caters for the needs of all active cerebral palsy swimmers from club through to elite levels of ability. The Championships are held using British Swimming classification – but cerebral palsy swimmers without classification may take part as guests if space allows.
  • Development Galas- A grass roots competition aimed at providing the first competitive experience for a lot of swimmers. They cater for all ages and abilities and swimmers do not need to be classified to take part. A choice of all 4 strokes over distances of 10m, 25m or 50m are available to enter. Swimmers may have supportive equipment or someone in the water with them whilst they compete.
  • CP Sport Resources including our SwimStart DVD, our online CPD course and information resources can be found here: CP Sport Resources 
Boy in swimming pool
Boy in swimming pool

Swimming and CP Sport

Cerebral Palsy Sport offer a range of opportunities for swimmers with cerebral palsy from introductory sessions for new swimmers through to specialist coaching and competitive galas, tailored awareness and education courses.

CP Sport swimming events include:

  • The National Swimming Championships- a friendly and competitive event. They take place annually in Nottingham and the gala caters for the needs of all active cerebral palsy swimmers from club through to elite levels of ability. The Championships are held using British Swimming classification – but cerebral palsy swimmers without classification may take part as guests if space allows.
  • Development Galas- A grass roots competition aimed at providing the first competitive experience for a lot of swimmers. They cater for all ages and abilities and swimmers do not need to be classified to take part. A choice of all 4 strokes over distances of 10m, 25m or 50m are available to enter. Swimmers may have supportive equipment or someone in the water with them whilst they compete.
  • CP Sport Resources including our SwimStart DVD, our online CPD course and information resources can be found here: CP Sport Resources 

Further information

For event information

For information about the STA

For our online course in partnership with the STA

For information about Floatsation

For information about SwimFin

See our latest results

Partnership work with CP Sport

CP Sport work with Swim England, the STA and many inclusive clubs on a range of projects.

Further information

For event information

For information about the STA

For our online course in partnership with the STA

For information about Floatsation

For information about SwimFin

See our latest results

Partnership work with CP Sport

CP Sport work with Swim England, the STA and many inclusive clubs on a range of projects.