Lesson Visit: James

By Lucy Powell, Level Water Head of Operations…

James bounces onto the poolside with a huge grin and heads straight to the edge of the deep end, eager to jump in before his teacher, Sophie, even has a chance to say hello.

James is deaf and also has sensory difficulties too. James's Dad explains how much he loves the sound and feel of the water splashing. The impact of his swimming lessons was immediately obvious, not only could I see the instant connection that James and Sophie have in the water and the way that he is mesmerised by the water splashing, but James's Dad talked about the reassurance they have as a family now when they go on holiday that James knows what it feels like to keep himself buoyant in the water.

Sophie is a natural teacher has adapted her teaching style to teach James. When he swims off, he can't be called back, so she has spent time working out ways to ensure that he can lip read and be near him when needed.