Inclusion and Multi Class

SwimmingSA , in conjunction with various partners, provide a variety of opportunities to engage people with a disability into the sport of Swimming.

Our goal is to build participation and connection by creating an inclusive swimming community, where all Australians feel welcome, have equal opportunities and are treated with respect.

• Where everyone feels welcome, safe, valued and celebrated in swimming.
• Where everyone can participate in the role and at the level of their choice in swimming.
• Where Australia's diversity is reflected in swimming. 

For More Information and Resources - Click Here

For many people and children, their association with the water and swimming starts with learning to swim.

Water activities, such as swimming, make an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of all people, including people with disabilities, by:

• Boosting physical activity levels
• Developing self-confidence
• Teaching life saving skills

Consistent lessons ensures continued development and increased comfort, confidence, and skills in the water.

There are many learn to Swim and swimming lesson programs across South Australia who can accommodate for varied levels of swimming abilities.

To find a suitable Learn To Swim Program near you, use Swimming Australia's Swim Finder: Search.

SwimmingSA is proud to launch the abilities program in partnership with Novita, with the aim to increase access and improve opportunities for children and people with a disability to engage and participate in swimming programs. 

The program is specially designed and operates in a supportive club environment to cater for people of varying abilities where the come’n’try session is tailored towards the needs of all participants.

Whilst the program is not a learn to swim experience, those with basic swimming ability are encouraged to come along and experience the joy of swimming in a relaxed and fun club environment. You will have the support of dedicated coaches, be able chat to members of the swimming community and learn more about the participation and multiclass competition pathways available. For more information please take a look at the PARTICIPANT PACK.

Through the program SwimmingSA hopes to increase the skills of learn to swim teachers, club coaches, and volunteers to provide better programs for participants by creating meaningful experiences and promoting lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.

The Abilities Program is FREE to attend!

Register for the next session HERE.

There are three identified referral centres across South Australia that will host come’n’try sessions, with easy venue accessibility, existing disability programs and experienced instructors and coaches who can provide tailored, positive, and inclusive programs.

Immanuel Piranhas/ iSwim Immanuel  - Immanuel College Sports Centre, 32 Morphett Rd, Novar Gardens.

Marion SC/ SSALC - SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre, 443 Morphett Road, Oaklands Park.

STARplex SC/ STARplex Swim Centre - Trinity College Gawler, Alexander Ave, Evanston South.

To find a suitable Club Program near you, visit  use Swimming Australia's Swim Finder: Search or contact SwimmingSA directly.

SwimmingSA office: (08) 7123 0848

Email: admin@sa.swimming.org.au

Make sure to get in touch with your chosen Swimming Club to ensure that they will be able to offer you a swimming program that will suit your needs.

WHAT IS CLASSIFICATION?

Classification groups athletes according to the impact of their impairment on their ability to compete in the sport of swimming.

In Australia, swimming classification is designed to ensure a fair environment for competition at all levels from club through to Australian Championships. Swimming Australia’s Classifications.

THE CLASSES:

There are 19 classes in the swimming classification system which caters for a range of disabilities. Each class has minimum eligibility requirements and swimmers must undergo specific Athlete Evaluation or Eligibility process to obtain a classification.

If a swimmer has multiple classifications, they must choose which impairment category to compete under;

• Physical (Classes 1-10)
• Visual (Classes 11-13)
• Intellectual (Classes 14, 18 & 19)
• Hearing (Class 15)
• Transplant (Class 16)

The prefix indicates which stroke the class applies to;

• The prefix S to the class denotes the class for Freestyle, Backstroke & Butterfly
• The prefix SB to the class denotes the class for breaststroke
• The prefix SM to the class denotes the class for Individual Medley

More information about the classification classes including the classification guide and exception codes can be found on the Swimming Australia website.

Multi Class (MC) events see swimmers with a range of disabilities, competing in the same race. 

Swimmers race against the world record time in that event for their classification. Event results are determined using the Multi Class Point Score system. The winner of the race is not always who touches the wall first, but the swimmer who posts the highest point score (i.e. a time closest to the world record for their classification).

Swimmers may be granted certain exceptions to the normal swimming rules in order to compete fairly. This allows for meaningful and fair competition for all swimmers.

Learn more about classification and the process  - HERE

It’s important to note there is minimum criteria and not all impairments are eligible​.

There are multiple competition pathways for athletes within each of the class types.

Para Swimming - physical, visual & intellectual impairment 

Special Olympics - intellectual impairment

Deaflympics – deaf and hard of hearing

Transplant Games - Transplant Recipient

Virtus - intellectual impairment & Autism

Visit the Swimming Australia website for more information about pathway opportunities.