The Power Of The Pool
Illawarra Mercury
Friday October 24, 2008
Jarred Austin and Sebastian Mackintosh are dependent on a wheelchair and a walking frame respectively when they are on land, but nothing holds them back once they get in the water.
Swimming gives the boys, both five, the freedom to move independently according to their parents, and each looks forward to their weekly lessons.Jarred, of Albion Park Rail, and Sebastian, from West Wollongong, were born with arthrogryposis, a rare condition characterised by stiff joints and abnormal muscle development.Jarred's father, Steve Austin, says his son can't wait to get out of his wheelchair, torso brace and foot splints, and into the pool."His confidence has just skyrocketed since he started swimming lessons about a year ago," Steve says."It gives him the freedom to do things - like standing up on the platforms in the pool - that he can't do out of the water. We are so pleased with his progress."Sebastian's mother, Elizabeth, says he has always loved the water. The little boy, who walks with the help of a frame, has been attending swim lessons for two years."He enjoys the mobility he has in the water and he can swim a short distance independently," she says. "He also knows to turn around and swim to the edge if he ever fell in."The boys are among a number of students, both young and older, who participate in McKeon Swim Centre's No Limits (special needs) program. Instructor Lizzy Green says there are no gravity restrictions in the water and limited-mobility swimmers experience an amazing freedom and weightlessness in the pool.Lessons also improve fitness and strength as well as boosting confidence and self-esteem.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury