How to Get Into a Pool From a Wheelchair

If you are in a wheelchair, either short-term or long-term, going swimming is a way of exercising that will not require you to support your body weight. Many physiotherapists recommend swimming as an exercise, as you can use upper body strength alone to support yourself. Getting into a pool from a wheelchair can be simple, depending on the facilities available at the pool and the amount of help you receive from a caregiver or the lifeguard. It is always good to check beforehand whether the pool can accommodate a wheelchair user.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use the facilities at the swimming pool, if it has any. Some swimming pools have hydraulic lifts, attached to special wheelchairs, and others have wheelchairs that can be wheeled down ramps into the pool. In either of these circumstances, get to near the special wheelchair, lock the brakes on your wheelchair and transfer across to the special wheelchair. Then, either pull the lever on the hydraulic lift or roll yourself gently down the ramp into the pool.

    • 2

      Ask for help from a lifeguard if there are no specialist facilities. Roll close to the pool edge, facing the water, and lock the brakes on your wheelchair. Have the lifeguard or your caregiver lift you out of the chair and place you on the edge of the pool, with your feet in the water.

    • 3

      Use your arms to take your body weight and gently lower yourself into the water. If you are confident in your swimming ability, you can swim freely. Otherwise, remain close to the side, where you can grasp the hand rail if you become tired.

    • 4

      Exit the pool by reversing the method you used to get in. If you cannot lift yourself out of the pool, swim to the shallow end and ease yourself backward up the steps. Have the lifeguard or your caregiver bring the wheelchair around and lift you in.