Learning to swim is an empowering feeling, though it can also be pretty scary.
Tossing yourself into open water can be kind of terrifying — but once you learn to keep your head above water, it opens up a whole new world.
Many people learn to swim as children. On top of being scary, the water is often cold, which can be uncomfortable.
It's even harder for children with special needs to get used to the pool. It's challenging for swimming instructors to help children with special needs become comfortable, but they've learned there's one thing they can do to help: introduce the children to dogs!
Some dogs love to swim, and these dogs can help kids — especially those with special needs — feel like a swimming pool is a safe and fun place.
When Surf Dog Ricochet introduced their Labrador retriever, Cori, to kids, they understood what a huge impact she could have.
When Labrador retriever Cori was 16 weeks old, she was exposed to a swimming pool for the first time.
She was terrified of the water at first, but she eventually overcame her fear and started enjoying swimming.
The AKC notes that Labradors were originally bred for water retrievals, so maybe Cori was always destined to be a water dog!
At nine months, Cori started showing a propensity for water rescue.
She's focused and caring, and automatically jumps in the water when she hears splashing.
According to the CDC, one third of unintentional deaths in children ages 1 to 4 is due to drowning. The rate is even higher for children with special needs.
Because of this frightening statistic, it's important for kids to learn how to swim.
Surf Dog Ricochet explains:
Cori is able to break down barriers often experienced between swim instructors and students.
Some kids have refused to get in the pool with an instructor, but they willingly get in with Cori.
Because Cori had a fear of water herself, she’s able to motivate kids to get over their fear too… “if Cori did it, so can I.”
Parents who have been taking their kids to swim lessons for years are thrilled to see improvement after just one session with Cori.
Kids become more inclined to try things when they know Cori will keep them safe.
Cori wears a special lifejacket made for water rescue. There are two handles on the back where the child can hold onto while practicing their kicking, etc.
Because Cori’s lifejacket has multiple handles, she can tow more than one child at a time, making it a fun experience for siblings too.
In addition to the physical safety Cori provides, she also makes many children feel more emotionally safe.
Parents have seen their children become less anxious just because of Cori's presence.
Cori also wears goggles — which can make children who are worried about putting on goggles more comfortable.
No matter how much time it takes a child to get into the pool, Cori is patient and caring.
In addition to working with kids in the pool, Cori helps children get accustomed to swimming in the ocean.
Cori also practices mock water rescues in the ocean.
If you love what Cori is doing to help kids overcome their fears, please SHARE this article with your friends!
