Do you know about parasport swimming? This physical activity is intended for people suffering from a physical or sensory disability.
This discipline is very popular: according to the French parasport federation, there are more than 3600 members of a parasport swimming club in France (this figure relates to leisure and competition).
Do you want to learn more about this aquatic sport?
Here is an overview of the parasport swimming practice. In this article, we will talk about the rules, the swimmer classification, the big championships, etc.
Parasport swimming: leisure practice
Swimming is part of what we call non-traumatising sport activities. Let’s see what its benefits are.
The benefits of para swimming practice
Swimming is a complete sport. Regular practice allows to:
- Be fulfilled and discover a new kind of movement freedom;
- Strengthen gest coordination;
- Keep oneself in good shape;
- Stimulate blood flow;
- Improve one’s tonus.
There exist several ways to practice this sport.
Learn how to swim for everyone
For leisure practice, learning how to swim remains one of the central preoccupations to acquire a certain autonomy. It applies to all the different ways of swimming from butterfly stroke to breaststroke and crawl.
Swimming is also used a lot in rehabilitation with a medical prescription. Freestyle swimming allows to avoid the use of medical equipment and allows for the patient to find their vertical position back.
The necessary equipment to practice para swimming
The required equipment remains identical to the one used by able-bodied, i.e.:
- Swimwear;
- Diving goggles.
Many club members also use:
- Webbed gloves;
- Floats;
- Non-slip shoes;
- A nose clip;
- Etc.
Initiation sessions take place in a small 25m-long small basin with a depth varying from 60 to 120cm. Depending on the sportsperson’s possibilities, human care can also be provided.
Depending on the person’s circumstances and capabilities, the use of a sport wheelchair can be interesting. On that note, PlayMoovin’ has made a weighed plastic sport wheelchair: the FreeMoovin’. This equipment is perfectly adapted to aquatic sports. Therefore, it can be used for learning how to swim.
Para swimming competitions
Let’s now talk about the competitive side of this parasport.
Para swimming classification in champioships
There exists a particular classification for the athletes, whether it is in the French para swimming championship or in an international competition. It allows to classify each competitor according to their physical capabilities. Here are all 3 types of classes:
| Swimming types | Classification of athletes with a physical disability | Classification of athletes with a hearing disability | Classification of athletes with a visual disability |
| Butterfly stroke, crawl and backstroke | S1 to S10 | S15 | S11 to S13 |
| Breaststroke | SB1 to SB9 | SB15 | SB11 to SB13 |
| Freestyle trial | SM1 to SM10 | SM15 | SM11 to SM13 |
The different national competitions
The French swimming parasport championship is composed of different categories:
- 25 meters;
- 50 meters.
It applies to all 4 swimming styles. The 50-meter championship allows then to qualify for international championships.
Para swimming world championship
France boasts several renowned swimmers among its athletes. In 2022, Laurent Chadard greatly performed on two occasions. He won the 50-meter-butterfly stroke World championship trial and he broke a European record.
Para swimming in the Olympic games
Para swimming has naturally been a paralympic sport since 1960. There exists a total of more than 20 trials including all swimming styles. We can for instance note Théo Cruin’s performance who has won several Olympic medals.
Aquatic parasport disciplines other than swimming
Some aquatic sports are accessible to people who suffer from a motor deficiency or from a mental disability. We have selected 3 of these sports to present them to you.
Para diving
Diving is a great way to recover mobility while enjoying the beautiful seabed. In order to practice this sport, one must however have a good physical shape. For instance, this sport in contraindicated for quadriplegics or for people suffering from cerebral palsy.
Para paddle
A paddle used for para paddle must be more stable and larger than a classic paddle and must have the safest seat.
The FreeMoovin’ is not just a manual sport wheelchair. It is also adapted to sport practice on water as it is the case for para paddle. Indeed, it is certified by the CERAH (study and research centre for the equipment of disabled people). It also has had the NF EN 12183 norm since April 2019.
Canoe-kayak
Kayak is also adapted to people with reduced mobility. They have to use strength in their upper body to balance themselves. This sport is practiced on lakes and rivers be it for leisure or competition practice.
The list of water sports is long. Here are a few more examples of that:
- Water-polo;
- Adaptive water skiing;
- Sailing;
- Adaptive rowing;
- Etc.
Are you part of a parasport swimming club? The FreeMoovin’ is a sport wheelchair adapted to water sports in a swimming pool. We can rent our sport wheelchairs to you so do not hesitate to contact us for your sport projects!
