Making a Splash: Gordon Bell's Inclusive Aquatics Program

Gordon Bell High School students are diving into new opportunities at Seven Oaks Pool. The school's Inclusive Aquatics Program helps students of all abilities enjoy water activities.

"I recognize the incredible benefits water provides for my students," said Catherine Roch, Inclusive Education Classroom Teacher. "It has been an extremely successful program, allowing all students complete access to an aquatic environment."

Eight students from Grades 7-12 with complex needs participate weekly in the swimming program. The program runs from October 2024 to May 2025.

"We are very happy to welcome the students from Gordon Bell High School," said Chris Brown, the City of Winnipeg's administrative coordinator for recreation services. "It's great that our facilities contribute to increased opportunities for physical activity and recreation."

The splash pad and universal change rooms at Seven Oaks Swimming Pool were designed to create an accessible and inclusive environment.

Seven Oaks Pool offers features that make swimming possible for everyone. These include a mechanical lift, adjustable change table, water wheelchairs, and a pool entry ramp. A separate viewing room allows students to take breaks while watching peers through windows.

Water play offers many benefits beyond learning to swim. Water activities are naturally soothing. They help students become more regulated and reduce stress. For those with sensory challenges, water offers a gentle way to explore new textures and temperatures.

Pouring, scooping, and splashing help students improve their fine motor skills, while the splash pad encourages gross motor skills such as reaching and stretching.

The program also builds social skills. Students share space and resources while working together on tasks.

The program partners with the School Therapy Services program at the Specialized Services for Children and Youth (SSCY) Centre. Occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs) provide essential support.

Roch has collaborated with OTs and PTs throughout the process. "They regularly join us at the pool and provide one-on-one training for me and my staff," she explained.

The therapy team helps with complex lifts, transfers, and specialty aquatic equipment use. They also helped find the right pool facility and coordinated floating equipment from the SSCY Center.

OTs focus on daily living skills while PTs help improve movement abilities. Together, they ensure all students can fully participate.

Beyond providing the facility, the City of Winnipeg even modified existing water wheelchairs, small changes that help keep all students safe in the water.

Gordon Bell’s Inclusive Aquatics Program shows how schools, families, and community partners can work together to offer valuable recreational activities that improve a student’s physical and emotional well-being.