Aquatic Therapy
and Adapted Aquatics 

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We welcome new participants throughout the year-because at Rec2Connect, you're Included. Always. To get started, fill out our online registration form.

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Overview

Aquatic programming for individuals of all abilities ages 6 months through adulthood. Sessions are held weekly targeting: swimming skills, motor planning, strength, endurance, balance and more. All goals are determined on individual basis in 1:1 sessions

An image of a Rec2Connect Aquatic Specialist with a participant during an aquatic session. The participant is holding a floating barbell and holding up a peace sign.

Locations

  • Beachwood
  • Akron
  • Seven Hills
  • Westlake
  • North Olmsted

Cost

  • Aquatics - $5 discount if using private pay
  • Aquatic Assessment - $110
  • Aquatic Therapy (45 minutes) - $90
  • Aquatic Therapy (30 minutes) - $75
  • Adapted Aquatics (45 minutes) - $70
  • Adapted Aquatics (30 minutes) - $55
  • Adapted Aquatics 2:1 - $55

Become a Volunteer

Join Rec2Connect's volunteer team and make a HUGE impact! We’re searching for compassionate, energetic and creative volunteers for a variety of our programs and events. By volunteering, you can gain professional experience, meet a fun group of our participants, and spread our mission for inclusive recreation!


Volunteers must complete a background check and fill out an application.
Learn how you can be involved with our always-growing community by filling out our volunteer form application HERE.

Financial Assistance

We recognize that program costs can be a barrier for some families. That's why we accept a variety of funding sources—and each year, we offer financial assistance through the Eileen Hewitt Scholarship Fund to support access to Rec2Connect programs. For more information click HERE.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. 1
    What's the process?
    Our 1:1 aquatic programming starts with a standardized assessment in the pool. We use the Comprehensive Evaluation in Recreation Therapy to determine program placement. Based on the participant's score, they will be placed in either Aquatic Therapy or Adapted Aquatics sessions.
  2. 2
    What is Aquatic Therapy?
    For clients who score a 74 or below, our Aquatic Therapy program is designed for clients who love the water but have more strength, motor coordination, sensory integration, and/or behavioral needs. We focus on therapy goals as well as pool safety and beginning swim skills. Aquatic Therapy clients are reassessed yearly for progress.
  3. 3
    What is Adapted Aquatics? 
    For clients who score a 75 or above, our Adapted Aquatics program is designed for clients who have the strength, coordination, and learning skills to focus sessions on pool safety and swim skills. Our Aquatic Specialists work with clients to refine skills and begin to teach different swim strokes. 
  4. 4
    What happens during sessions?
    Sessions are structured based on the client's needs and goals. A therapy session will generally start with a high impact sensory activity (like a mat or scooter ride) then therapy activities that target an individual's goals may be alternated with activities that target swimming skills. When needed, the staff member will provide breaks or modify activities to meet client's needs in the moment. 
  5. 5
    Do I need to get in the water with my child?
    No, our trained and experienced staff will be in the water with your swimmer and assist them as needed.
  6. 6
    Can other family member swim during the session?
    Unless your family are members of the Rec center where your sessions are scheduled, swimming by family members is not permitted. Some rec centers offer day passes that a family can purchase to swim during the session. More information can be provided by each facility.
  7. 7
    What's the weather policy?
    The majority of our sessions are conducted indoors and are not effected by inclement weather. However a few rec centers do close their indoor pools when lightning and thunder are in the area. Your instructor will contact you if the pool is closed. At times of extreme weather (blizzards, tornadoes, etc), sessions may be cancelled. These closures will also be communicated by staff. If you are concerned about the weather forecast, please contact your instructor and cancel 24hrs in advance to avoid cancellation fees.
  8. 8
    What should I bring to sessions?
    The participant should wear a swim suit and bring a towel. If the client is not fully potty-trained, they should wear a swim diaper in the water. If you have goggles, they may be used during the lesson. Bringing flip flops, crocs, or other water-safe slip proof shoes for the pool deck is recommended.