Halliwick Swimming Association of Ireland

The Halliwick Concept of teaching swimming or independent movement in water to people with special needs is based on known scientific principles of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics and body mechanics.

It is applicable to people of all ages, both those with disabilities and those without.

Swimmers are taught on a one-to-one ratio of instructor to swimmer, until the time when complete independence is achieved. The swimmer / instructor pair become a unit within a group activity, so that the swimmer gains the advantages of social interaction with his/her peers, whilst at the same time enjoying the unobtrusive but constant attention of an individual instructor.

Through the medium of games / activities appropriate to age and ability, groups are made aware of the properties and behaviour of water and of how to control their own balance. Swimmers reach a stage where they experience complete independence of movement in water.