Facility Accessibility / Water Wellbeing

Aquaphobia

The Aquaphobic Learning Program is open to all with no restrictions. The program consists of 12 steps aimed at helping people to manage their fear of water, becoming comfortable in, and around it. Each step is mastered in turn before moving on to the next one.

Stage 1 – Acclimatising to the Water
Stage 2 – Safe Entry
Stage 3 – Acclimatising to Water on the Face
Stage 4 – Acclimatising to Breathing into the Water
Stage 5 – Acclimatising to Moving in the Water
Stage 6 – Position Recover (Supine)
Stage 7 – Position Recover (Prone)
Stage 8 – Rotational Positional Recovery & Control
Stage 9 – Natural Floating Positions
Stage 10 – Flotation and Balance
Stage 11 – Flotation, Buoyancy and Propulsion
Stage 12 - Sculling

Prior to the first in water session, customers are required to answer a number of questions to allow the Aquaphobic Coach to understand the level of fear that exists and to tailor each session to meet their specific needs. The Coach will also use this time to introduce the Customer to the Centre, including a walk around the changing area, how to use the lockers and where to access the pool. Customers are escorted by their coach from the changing area to the poolside as this can be a very fearful time.

NEDDC has a number of Advanced Aquaphobia Coaches who understand that everyone is on their own journey, therefore all sessions are tailored to the Customer’s needs, on a 1-2-1 basis and at the clients own pace without any pressure to achieve to any specific timescale. During the sessions Customers will never be asked to do anything they are not comfortable with or ready for, however they will be taken out of their comfort zone in a calm and controlled way.

The Aquaphobic Learning Program can be booked at Eckington Swimming Pool, Dronfield Sports Centre and Sharley Park Leisure Centre. Sessions are booked in advanced in blocks of 6 at a cost of £150 per block. Customers pay in advance of the sessions to ensure they stay on the program as places are at a premium.

Benefits of Swimming

Full body work out Swimming provides a full body work out using muscle groups not normally utilised within other workouts. Water is a thicker medium than air, turning each swimming stroke into a resistance exercise. This resistance makes your body work harder; approximately turning a 30-minute swim into the same as 45-minute activity on land like running.

Helps relax and lower stress Swimming regularly can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety and improve sleeping patterns.

Burns calories Swimming is a great way to burn calories. A gentle swim can approximately burn 200 calories in half an hour.

Lowers the risk of diseases Swimming just 30 minutes a week can help reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes.

Increase energy levels Swimming can help increase your energy levels and help maintain an active lifestyle. Just 30 minutes of swimming 3 times a week can boost your energy levels.

Improves breathing and strengthens the heart Swimming is great for your lungs; aerobic exercise uses large muscle groups and elevates your heart rate to help your lungs work more efficiently. The increased heart rate also strengthens the muscular tissue of your heart, improving your cardiovascular conditioning.

Helps injuries Swimming is not a weight bearing exercise. Therefore, the natural buoyancy of the water reduces weight bearing stress. if you have a muscle or joint injury, your doctor may advise you to go swimming as no weight strain will be put on the injury. Swimming is also a cardio workout, so someone who may still be healing from an injury still has the opportunity to stay in shape.

It opens you up to new experiences Once a competent swimmer, swimming can open up a wide range of new life experiences. Snorkelling, playing water polo, scuba diving or just swimming in your local swimming pool to maintain your fitness.

Stress and Swimming

Stress can be caused by a variety of reasons from getting everything prepared for your holiday to feeling overrun at work.

This can lead to physical (headaches, trouble sleeping, aches and pains) and psychological (depression, anxiety and the feeling of being overwhelmed) symptoms.

Stress is our internal warning system which alerts us to any danger that may be nearby, which is done by increasing our blood pressure and heart rate

How can swimming help?

Swimming is a fantastic way to relieve stress, even if it’s just half an hour at a time.
When you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins which provide a positive feeling in the body.
Stress on joints is also avoided with swimming as it’s not a weight bearing exercise, which means it’s great for recovery.
It’s a fantastic family activity which also provides a social aspect for all.

Water Wellbeing Sessions

Do you have an injury, a long term health condition or simply don’t like exercise on land? Then our weekly instructor led session might be for you.

The unique properties of water make swimming perfect for people of all ages to exercise, particularly those with injuries, impairments, long term health conditions, or those who struggle to exercise on land. Evidence suggests swimmers live longer and that regular swimming helps older people stay mentally and physically fit. Swimming has a positive impact on a range of physical and mental health conditions including dementia, obesity, cancer, cerebral palsy, and pulmonary disease.

This session is not intended to be a swimming lesson. It can be tailor-made for your needs or you can be left alone to just enjoy the water. Carers are welcome. Suitable for anyone aged 16+ years.

Starting: Wednesday 6 March 2024 at Eckington Swimming Pool 10.30am - 11.30am (weekly sessions each Wednesday). Refreshments available in the café area after. Call 01246 217481 to book!