Superfins Learn to Swim (LTS) program was set up in term 4 of 2010 as a pilot program to assess the need for quality swimming lessons for school aged children with disabilities and also to act as a feeder program for the club’s squad program. Initially we had five children and one swim instructor.  The program was enormously successful and has grown to current capped numbers of sixty children and nine staff equivalents. It operates from Lords Recreation Centre in Subiaco on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during term times.  Telethon has provided financial support for many aspects of Superfins for many years and provided support to LTS since 2011. In 2015, the LTS program has been renamed the Telethon Superfins Learn to Swim Program acknowledging the support of Telethon and our alignment with Telethon's aims to improve the health outcomes and quality of life of children in WA. We believe that keeping children with disabilities safer in and around water by learning to swim, fulfils this aim. It also provides a fun environment to learn a lifelong skill with obvious health and fitness benefits. In 2017, Telethon Superfins LTS became a Gold level AUSTSWIM recognised Swim Centre

Enquiries: learntoswim@superfins.org or superfinswalts@outlook.com

Testimony

“Superfins has been life changing for our son. Will has always hated water. Severe sensory issues and his Autism and Dyspraxia has made it very hard to fit him into any of the normal swimming classes. After many failures in group classes, Superfins has brought it all around. Will puts his head willingly under water, rockets along, uses a kickboard, and is actually developing the ability to swim. We've been desperate for him to learn as he has some pretty risky behaviours, and kids with profiles like his are at a phenomenal risk of drowning. Superfins is literally saving Will's life one lesson at a time. Soon we'll be able to show Will where we get the yabbies from at the farm, knowing he'll be safe if he wanders off to the dam alone. I can't believe how quickly the expert teachers are connecting with Will, and showing him just how to trust his body to enjoy the water. Thanks guys, lifesavers every one of you!“