Aquatics (swimming)

Swimming is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is a life skill that is taught, first to ensure safety and secondly for sports and competition purposes.

Special Olympics New Zealand has a very active aquatics programme with many clubs offering it as an option.

In aquatics (swimming), swimmers may participate in individual races in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly at distances from 25m to 1500m. Teams may compete in medley and freestyle relay events.

Swimmers of lower ability may compete in developmental events such as walking, flotation, assisted and unassisted events.

Click here to watch a television special about the Special Olympic North Harbour Club and its young swim coach.

Download Special Olympics Guides and Rules:

• Aquatics Coaching Guide
• Aquatics Quick Start Guide (PDF 472.56 KB)
• Aquatics Rules (PDF 147.03 KB)
• Aquatics 2011 Rule Changes (PDF 100.32 KB)