Water Sprites has introduced an adaptive swim program to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from quality swim instruction. Our goal is to instruct the lifesaving skill of swimming in the most fun, educational way possible.  The benefits of swim lessons go beyond a safer individual in the water to encompass physical, social, cognitive, and recreational benefits.  As a healthy, enjoyable leisure choice, the aquatic environment opens doors to more confident, physically active people.

We have a thorough assessment procedure that allows us to structure class format
that is unique to the individual. The instructor, Miss. Curcio, is an ISIA Adaptive Aquatics Certified Instructor, as well as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from CSU, Chico. She has extensive experience instructing people with special needs in various athletic endeavors and believes healthy physical activity is key to a happy, well-rounded lifestyle. Her teaching format is based around being resourceful and creative, which generates a productive atmosphere for learning. Our one-on-one instruction focuses on skill development while establishing and practicing a system specific to the individual. For example, we may use predictable, routine-oriented teaching styles for children with autism or a particular use of floatation devices for people with cerebral palsy. 

The aquatic environment has been an essential setting for the rehabilitation process over the years.  Research verifies that the innate properties of water can alleviate various disabling effects and is soothing to bones and joints. However, our program goes beyond the obvious therapeutic value to produce an individual that comes to respect and love the water, and in turn, is safer around it. As most efforts that are worthwhile, this does not happen overnight. It takes patience and dedication from all involved. In our 90 degree indoor pool, we offer half-hour instruction, once a week, which is centered around the strengths and goals of the individual and his or her support system.  The necessity of learning how to swim is apparent and at Chico Water Sprites, we teach in a way that is person-specific, fun, and memorable.