Water Safety for People With Physical Disabilities

People with physical disabilities can swim, exercise and boat safely with the right access, the right flotation and a plan. Start with a pool that has accessible entry and lifeguards on duty, choose and test a life jacket that fits your body, never swim alone, and agree ahead of time how a buddy or staff member would help you get out of the water.

Water can be one of the most welcoming places to move. The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham notes that for people of all abilities, exercising in water can provide greater range of motion, improved balance, increased flexibility, strengthening and improved cardiovascular fitness (opens in a new tab).

Access first: pool lifts and ramps

Getting in and out safely is the first safety step, and it's often the hardest part of a pool visit.

What the ADA requires. The U.S. Department of Justice explains the ADA's 2010 Standards for pool entry this way:

• Larger pools (more than 300 linear feet of pool wall) need two accessible means of entry, with at least one being a pool lift or sloped entry (opens in a new tab).
• Smaller pools need one accessible means of entry, which must be a pool lift or sloped entry.
• Accessible features must be kept in working condition. A portable lift may be stored when the pool is closed, but it must be at poolside and fully operational during all open pool hours (opens in a new tab).
• How the rules apply to an existing pool depends on whether it's run by a public entity or a business; ADA.gov explains both.

What to look for. NCHPAD's facility checklist includes:

• aquatic staff familiar with the needs of people with disabilities
• a lift that can be operated independently (ideal), or one that needs assistance (acceptable if staff are available) (opens in a new tab)
• water wheelchairs of appropriate size
• a clear path for people with visual impairments
• flotation and other assistive equipment within reach
• accessible locker rooms and toilets on the same level as the pool

Call ahead and ask about each one, and ask when the pool is quietest if you'd like more space and staff attention. CDC lists ensuring access for people with disabilities (opens in a new tab) among the things communities can do to reduce drowning.

Flotation that fits your body

A life jacket only works if it fits the person wearing it and keeps their face out of the water. The U.S. Coast Guard notes that different body types float differently (opens in a new tab), so test rather than assume.

• Read the label. The Coast Guard says to check the label for user weight and chest size (opens in a new tab). The Red Cross says to wear a jacket appropriate for your weight and size and the water activity (opens in a new tab).
• Try it in the water. The Coast Guard says to try your life jacket on in the water to ensure your airway is clear (opens in a new tab). Do this in shallow, lifeguarded water with a helper beside you.
• Snug and adjustable. A good fit is secure, comfortable and adjustable; a foam jacket shouldn't ride up above your chin or ears.
• Know the inflatable limits. The Coast Guard says inflatable life jackets are not appropriate for weak or non-swimmers (opens in a new tab).
• Adaptive flotation. For children with cerebral palsy, the AAP suggests adaptive flotation devices as needed for safety and comfort (opens in a new tab). An adaptive aquatics instructor or physical therapist can help you compare options.
• Pool toys aren't flotation. The AAP warns that floaties, water wings and inflatable toys can deflate and do not prevent drowning (opens in a new tab).

CDC notes that weaker swimmers of all ages can use life jackets in and around natural water and swimming pools (opens in a new tab). Use the finder to narrow down options, then read the life jacket fit test:

Supervision and buddy plans

NCHPAD's safety rules are short and firm:

• NEVER swim alone. No matter how great your swimming skills are, NEVER swim alone. (opens in a new tab)
• Swim only when a lifeguard is present. NCHPAD recommends a team of at least two lifeguards for a pool.
• Never swim in thunder, lightning or other severe weather, indoors or out.
• Check that the water is clear, the depth markings and diving signs are clear, the deck is clean and non-slippery, and rescue equipment such as ring buoys and a long hook is visible and in good condition.

Make a buddy plan before you get in. Talk through, with your buddy or the lifeguard:

1. How you'll get in and out, and where the lift controls are.
2. How you'll signal that you need help, and how they'll get your attention.
3. Who will help you out of the water if you're tired or in trouble, and how.
4. Where your mobility aids, medicines and phone will be.

The Red Cross also says to know your limitations, including physical fitness and medical conditions (opens in a new tab). If a medicine affects your balance or alertness, see heart conditions, medicines and swimming.

Boating and beaches

Boats. The Red Cross says to always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill (opens in a new tab). In 2024, where use was known, 87% of people who drowned in boating incidents weren't wearing one (opens in a new tab) (U.S. Coast Guard). Before you go out, ask the operator how you'll board and get off safely, where you'll sit, and how you'd get back aboard or be helped if you went in the water.

Beaches. Call ahead to ask about accessible paths, beach mats or beach wheelchairs, and choose a beach with lifeguards. The National Weather Service, quoting the U.S. Lifesaving Association, says the chances of drowning at a beach with lifeguards are 1 in 18 million (opens in a new tab). Learn about rip currents before you go.

Cold water. The National Weather Service says to always dress for water temperature, not for air temperature (opens in a new tab), and to wear a life jacket.

In New York City, the NYC Parks Adaptive Swim Program (opens in a new tab) offers water exercise and swim instruction for children and adults with disabilities. See adaptive swim lessons for questions to ask any program, and public pool safety for what to expect at a public pool.

What you can do today

1. Call a pool you'd like to use and ask how swimmers get in and out, whether the lift works independently, and when it's quietest.
2. Check your life jacket's label for weight and chest size, and plan a test in shallow water with a helper.
3. Write a four-line buddy plan: getting in and out, signals, who helps, and where your aids and phone go.
4. Find a class with instructors experienced in adaptive aquatics.
5. Never swim alone, starting with your next swim.