Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership organise a programme of supported swim lessons for children with disabilities. This swim programme caters for children who require additional support in the water while learning to swim, this may be because of physical, sensory or a learning disability. The programme gives children a chance to avail of swim lessons in a supported environment.

The classes run each Wednesday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm in 10/12 week block from October to December and January to Easter and finally a six week block from Easter to end of school term. Volunteers will be matched up to attend either one or two sessions per week depending on numbers volunteering.

The focus of the lessons is to ensure the children have fun and become comfortable in the pool and relaxed in the water! Once the child is relaxed in the water, the learning begins!

To ensure that all children get the attention they need, KRSP run a volunteer programme for swim buddies. Our volunteer swim buddies are transition year students in local secondary schools and often participate as part of their An Gaisce award. It is also a useful way of helping to build your early stage CV.

Role of the Volunteer Swim Buddy

• To provide one to one assistance to children with additional needs in the water.
• Volunteers must be able to commit to attend the majority of the classes.
• Encouraging enjoyment and fun in the water is the volunteer’s most important role.

What is needed for the role?

• A willingness to help others – bring your personality to the child.
• Volunteers must be comfortable being in the water (not necessary to be a brilliant swimmer!) and an interest in swimming or aquatics would be an advantage!
• Volunteers should be willing to put children at ease and be encouraging to all!

Youth volunteer application MUST BE completed by a parent / guardian on behalf of the youth volunteer. KRSP will only communicate with parents / guardians on this programme.

Youth volunteers must be aged 15-17 years old. Those aged 16/17 will be Garda vetted with parental/guardian consent. While the Garda Vetting process takes place, those who are 15 years old will join the programme in September. Those not 16 until after Christmas, or those already vetted by KRSP will join the programme in January. This will ensure that the programme is up and running on time for the young swimmers.

KRSP staff will be on hand at all times to help, encourage and manage the volunteer group. We are always on deck for every minute of the programme to help.

This programme is funded by Healthy Ireland. The Healthy Ireland Fund is supported by the Department of Health.