How council-led neuroinclusive swim training is helping create more inclusive swimming experiences for neurodivergent children and families in New Zealand.
Hutt City Council in New Zealand is strengthening neuroinclusive aquatic education through Autism Swim training, helping create more inclusive swimming experiences for neurodivergent children and families within its community swim programmes.
For Swim City Manager Kay Lindsay, the decision to explore Autism Swim was driven by both professional experience and a deep commitment to supporting children and families more effectively within Learn to Swim programs.
“I am very passionate about the challenges children are facing every day and the impact these can have within our Learn to Swim environment,” Kay shared.
Kay first heard Autism Swim Founder Erika Gleeson speak at a conference in 2019, where the presentation strongly resonated with her. Although the disruptions of the following years temporarily delayed further action, the conversation resurfaced through local government discussions late last year, eventually leading Hutt City Council’s swim school leadership team to complete Autism Swim training earlier this year.
Why Neuroinclusive Training Matters
Prior to engaging with Autism Swim, the team identified several practical challenges when supporting neurodivergent participants and their families within Learn to Swim programs.
One of the biggest barriers was staff confidence.
“There was often uncertainty around understanding behaviours and how best to manage these within both private lessons and group class environments,” Kay explained.
This was particularly important for pool deck support staff, who were regularly assisting instructors and families but did not always feel equipped with the specialised knowledge needed to fully understand the behaviours they were seeing.
The team also recognised that mainstream swim teaching pathways often provide limited neuroinclusive aquatic education and practical strategies to support diverse learning and behavioural needs.
“These challenges highlighted the need for more neuroinclusive education and practical strategies to better support both our staff and the families participating in our programs,” Kay said.
Practical Neuroinclusive Strategies in Learn to Swim Programs
Although Hutt City Council describes its Autism Swim journey as still being in the early stages, the training has already influenced the way the team approaches inclusion within the aquatic environment.
The swim school has introduced ongoing term-by-term focus areas to help reinforce different aspects of the training. This term, the team has focused on understanding behaviours and recognising why they may present in certain situations.
The team has also reviewed the equipment and teaching aids used within its programme, introducing more appropriate supports such as:
- timers
- simplified visual aids
- social stories
while recognising that, for many participants, “less is best”.
Importantly, participant profile processes have also been strengthened to ensure instructors are better informed about each child’s individual needs before lessons begin.
The training has even influenced recruitment decisions.
“Rather than assuming any Learn to Swim instructor will naturally transition into these lessons, we are now more intentional about identifying staff who are the right fit for delivering neuroinclusive aquatic education,” Kay shared.
How Inclusive Swim Training Improves Confidence and Participation
For Kay and the wider leadership team, one of the most noticeable changes has been the increased confidence of instructors.
“One of the biggest changes we have noticed has been the increased confidence of our instructors,” Kay said.
“Instructors are now showing far more enjoyment and positivity within lessons, rather than feelings of frustration or uncertainty when supporting neurodivergent participants.”
The team has also valued Autism Swim’s ongoing support when navigating more complex participant needs.
In one instance, the council reached out for guidance regarding a child whose needs the team was finding challenging to support effectively. The advice and strategies provided helped both instructors and team leaders feel more confident in how to approach the situation.
For leadership teams, access to this type of specialised support can make a significant difference when building more inclusive aquatic environments long-term.
The Swim City team – Hutt City Council
Why Council-Led Inclusive Swimming Programs Matter
For Hutt City Council, inclusive access is not viewed as an added extra.
It is one of the swim school’s core values.
Within New Zealand’s aquatic industry, water safety remains a major community priority – and councils play an important role in ensuring these essential life skills are accessible to everyone.
“Councils play a significant role in leading and providing these opportunities, ensuring that no one is excluded from learning skills that could one day save their life,” Kay shared.
For Kay, the importance of inclusive swimming and neuroinclusive aquatic education is also deeply personal.
“Seeing the sadness and frustration in parents’ eyes when their child is singled out, labelled as ‘naughty,’ or excluded because others do not understand their needs is heartbreaking.”
“That is why I believe it is so important that we continue striving to provide the best possible experience for every child and family on their aquatic journey.”
Strengthening Inclusive Aquatics Worldwide
Hutt City Council joins a growing number of aquatic organisations across the globe investing in neuroinclusive aquatic education through Autism Swim.
Like Melbourne City Baths in Australia, the council is demonstrating how local government organisations can strengthen inclusion, improve staff confidence and create more supportive aquatic environments for neurodivergent participants and their families.
As more councils, swim schools and aquatic organisations invest in neuroinclusive aquatic education, initiatives like this are helping improve access, inclusion and water safety outcomes for neurodivergent communities.
Because inclusive aquatics is about more than swimming lessons.
It is about ensuring every child and family feels welcomed, understood and supported in the water.