This program is a deep dive into adaptive swim lessons, water safety, and competition swimming with Special Olympics Mississippi (SOMS). Our certified Water Safety Instructors and Lifeguards provide a safe, nurturing environment in which children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities can grow their skills and develop water safety awareness.

The primary components of this program include Diverse-Ability Swim Club for children and adults ages 8 to 100, Diverse-Ability TADPOLES for children ages 3 to 7, and the SOMS Area 12 Swim Team. In addition, Aquatics staff will offer water safety training for parents and guardians, and support for individuals with disabilities who want to enroll in group lessons. Athletes who wish to participate in the SOMS Area 12 swim team must enroll in the Diverse-Ability Swim Club and must register with Special Olympics Mississippi every calendar year in order to compete at the SOMS Summer Games held annually at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Diverse-Ability athletes will receive a free individual MGC-YMCA membership, and family memberships are available at a discounted rate. Please direct Diverse-Ability membership inquiries to the Aquatics Director or Membership Services.

Swimmers will be taught self-saving water skills and various swim styles, including walking, jogging, and swimming certain distances of the pool using freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Classes will focus on developing each swimmer’s safety, technique, and endurance based on the individual’s comfort, skill level, and interest.