New CPD ‘essential tool’ for those who help people with long-term conditions

An ‘essential tool’ which will help swimming teachers, coaches, pool operators and carers to improve the overall experience of aquatic activity for those with long-term health conditions has been launched by Swim England Qualifications.

The Introduction to Supporting Swimmers with Long-Term Health Conditions CPD is now available and aims to upskill individuals so they are equipped to provide aquatic adaptations around health conditions

It is open to all members of the aquatics community, as well as those working outside the leisure sector.

Scarlett McNally, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who helped to develop the CPD, said: “I am delighted to have contributed to this.

“This resource is fantastic. Twenty one per cent of UK adults have a disability, 18 per cent of the population are aged over 65 and millions are on waiting lists for surgery.

“For many people, water activity or swimming is the best form of exercise. Swimming, or even walking in water, is controlled and doesn’t impact on joints.

“Doing some exercise is proven to prevent and reduce complications of most common conditions.

“It really can be a miracle cure for mental health and physical health.

“This new resource means that swimming teachers and other such professionals will feel confident supporting people with long-term conditions to swim and it will also make pools more welcoming.

“Pools are already very safe and the UK Chief Medical Officers recommend people of all ages should be physically active. It is far more dangerous to be inactive than to do some activity.

“This new resource gives clear education for those supporting swimmers to help people get going safely.”

Lifeline for so many

Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said: “Being active in water is a lifeline for so many people who struggle to exercise on land, not only physically but mentally as well.

“This engaging CPD is an essential tool for teachers and assistants, coaches, pool operators, swim coordinators, link workers, parents and carers to help improve the overall aquatic experience for those living with long-term health conditions.

“I’d like to thank the Swimming and Health Commission Group for their help and expertise in developing this important CPD.”

Andrew Power, Swim England water wellbeing specialist, said: “It is exciting to see the Introduction to Supporting Swimmers with Long-Term Health Conditions CPD being launched.

“We identified this as a key component to increasing the confidence of anyone involved in supporting or discussing swimming with people with long-term health conditions, whether that be to encourage them either get back into, or to start their swimming journey for the first time.

“We hope to see thousands of professionals in and outside of our industry benefit from this and as a result lead to countless numbers of swimmers being able to enjoy a better all-round aquatic experience, helping to remove some of the barriers that prevent them from making swimming a habit for life.”

Individuals who complete the Introduction to Supporting Swimmers with Long-Term Health Conditions CPD, which is endorsed against CIMSPA’s Working with People with Long Term Conditions Professional Standard, will receive four CIMSPA points.

These can be used to evidence their continuing professional development in this area, as well as contributing towards the annual requirements of their CIMSPA membership.

For organisations that are interested in delivering this CPD please email [email protected].

Course dates will be agreed in the coming weeks and will appear on the course calendar.

Until then, please email [email protected] to be notified when new dates are released.