The Family Leisure Centre is offering a Sensory Swimming program on Sunday afternoons. (Photo Courtesy of Colton McKee)

By Chris Brown

Enhancing programming

Sensory Swimming offers quiet pool time at FLC

Sep 16, 2020 | 12:24 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – After a successful test run last year, the Family Leisure Centre has brought back their Sensory Swimming full-time.

Natalie Sauer, manager of recreation for the City of Medicine Hat, says they’re always looking for ways to enhance the programs available to the community.

Feedback on inclusivity found many would like more opportunities for those on the autism spectrum.

“So we said let’s make special time once a week where we can literally dim the lights and have it very quiet where they can swim and not have all that stimulation that maybe doesn’t work well for them,” she said.

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During Sensory Swimming there will be no features that could be overstimulating for some such as waves, music or bright lights.

“We see swimming as a life skill and we want everybody to definitely come and be part of that and have an additional activity that they can use and so that’s why we chose to do it,” Sauer said. “I think we know it’s really important for folks that are on the spectrum that have a lot of challenges with a lot of activity and lights and sound and stuff so this is our way of making sure we can service them as well.”

Pre-registration is required and the sessions are open to all, but everyone is asked to respect the quiet atmosphere.

The sessions run each Sunday from 4-5:30 p.m.

More reopenings

With the province revising its public health guidelines for Stage Two of relaunch, the FLC is able to open a few more features.

The steam room is now open and the hot tub and tot pool will be opening very soon, Sauer said.

“We’re just waiting for our water quality testing to come back and then we’ll be good to go so stay tuned for those two elements as well.”