Sometimes, it might be nice to swim without music playing loudly, whistles blowing sharply, or unnecessary speaker announcements.
That’s why the City of Surrey has introduced sensory-friendly swim sessions at two of its facilities, after a September presentation to the city’s parks ad recreation department from resident and father Mark Smeets, who also hosts the podcast We are the ADHD Family.
The first – featuring a calmer, quieter environment – was held on Dec. 4, at the Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex, 16555 Fraser Highway.
The next the swim time will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 16, from noon to 2 p.m. at South Surrey Indoor Pool, 14655 17 Ave.; three more sessions are scheduled at both aquatic facilities through March 2024 (all Mondays at SSLC and all Saturdays at SSIP).
“When I went into the pool on Monday (Dec. 4), just to be able to hear myself think instead of having music competing with my thoughts was humongous. I loved it!” said Smeets, who was diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) two years ago, along with his wife.
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Their son has been diagnosed with ADHD and autism, and their daughter also has “undiagnosed ADHD,” Smeets said.
“When you turn off that stuff, you’re making the load on a kid or on an adult that much easier – you’re making their life better,” Smeets said.
Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex facilities operations manager Jacqueline Dear said the city is pleased to introduce the swim sessions at the two locations.
“We understand that aquatic facilities may be a sensory-rich environment for some community members, which can prevent them from participating in swimming – this is why we implemented the sensory-friendly swims,” she said in an email.
“Our goal is to be more inclusive of our community as a whole and provide spaces for those who have not been able to fully participate in swimming before.”
The swims are open to all, especially for those who are autistic, have anxiety or other sensory processing needs, or anyone who feels they would benefit from a more supportive environment.
They have:
• Reduced noise and water features
• No background music
• No speaker announcements (whistles used only for emergencies)
• Encouraged use of paper towels instead of hand dryers, using signage
• Designated sensory-friendly break rooms
• Set clear times and transition warnings
• Additional staff available for support
The swims have been well-received so far, Dear noted, and added that the city wants the public’s feedback about the swims.
“Since these are new offerings, we want to hear from the community to learn how we can best support them. Participants are invited to take our online survey or fill out a comment card in a facility,” she said.
The city has been working closely in partnership with the Canucks Autism Network (CAN), who have helped them create sensory-friendly kits, which are available for participants to borrow during their sensory-friendly swim times, Dear said. The kits include noise-cancelling headphones, communication cards, fidget toys, ear plugs and sunglasses.
Smeets, who advocates with his wife to help break down barriers and the stigma that often comes with diagnoses like autism and ADHD, noticed at the Dec. 4 swim, a lifeguard came out with a sandwich board sign saying “10 minutes until the end of the session’ – a heads up for the upcoming transition, which can also be a trigger.
“Inclusion is not hard,” he said.
While he loves seeing the swims added, Smeets thinks there is still more that can be done, noting that the sessions offered closest to his family are on Mondays from noon to 2 p.m., during school hours.
“My big call to action is, I want to see parents email the city and tell them we want to see more of this – and more times that work with kids who are still in school,” Smeets said.
He plans to be at the Dec. 16 swim with his family, but even driving a different route or going to a new place can be sometimes be challenging for those with autism and/or ADHD, he said.
“Two hours is fantastic, but we need more. It should be at every pool. How hard is it to turn off a light, to turn off the music? Disability is 24/7, it’s not once a month.”
Visit the city’s website for more information about the sensory-friendly swims.