Initiating the Dissemination Process of The Sunfish Method©: An Online Adaptive Swimming Lesson Training Program
Authors:
Isabelle Copponi, OT/s, Marykate Galluzzo, OT, OTD, OTR.
Abstract:
Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 and second leading cause of
unintentional injury death for children 5-14 (CDC, 2024). Project aimed to initiate dissemination of The
Sunfish Method© online adaptive swimming lesson training program for individuals to receive a
certificate of completion in teaching adaptive swimming. Market research was conducted to create
contact lists of stakeholders who were contacted and given access to the program. 20 participants
enrolled in the program. Survey data was evaluated for program improvement. 75% of participants who
took the survey felt more confident teaching swimming lessons to a child with a disability after taking
the program. Results highlight The Sunfish Method’s© potential effectiveness in teaching individuals the
basics of adaptive swimming lessons, and increasing accessibility.
Key Words:
Adaptive Swimming, Drowning, Online Training