Aquatics Programs Overview

We offer swimming programs for special needs individuals of all ages and abilities at no cost. These programs are for children and adults who are not capable of being integrated into an able-bodied program (a form signed by a doctor is required). Our qualified lead instructors are all certified as Adapted Aquatics Instructors through the Starfish Aquatics Institute. If you are unsure which program best suits your needs, please give us a call. Otherwise, simply fill out the swim lesson application to join our waiting list.

Our programs would not be possible without the generous pool time given to the Dolphins by several pools in the community. We follow the safety protocols given to us by each specific pool so we can continue to use that space. Because we were shut down during the pandemic and have limited pool space, we do have a long waiting list that takes years, but know we are doing everything we possibly can to teach as many special needs participants to swim.

Programs

 

Little Phins

Little Phins, our newest program, is designed for our smallest swimmers, ages 0-3. This class empowers parents to engage in an aquatics experience with their little one, with the emphasis on safety and exploration of the many ways we can start to teach small children the fundamentals of swimming.

 

Future Dolphins

Future Dolphins is our entry-level “learn to swim” program. This group is for those children and adults with little to no swimming experience. Swimmers work one-on-one with instructors and volunteers on basic swim skills and water safety. Every lesson is individualized to meet the needs of each swimmer.

The Nashville Dolphins are proud to partner with the nationally recognized JPMF Splash! JPMF Splash is a water skills and safety program that teaches people with disabilities to “be safe and have fun in and around the water.” The program is based on five water safety rules developed specifically for individuals with disabilities. 

  1. Always swim with a Buddy.

  2. No Running, No Pushing

  3. STOP, LOOK, LISTEN when the Lifeguard Blows the Whistle

  4. Blow Bubbles When Under Water

  5. Put Feet Down/Stand Up When IN Trouble

To learn more about this wonderful organization and the JPMF Splash! program, visit https://jpmf.org/.

 
 

Junior Dolphins

Junior Dolphins is for participants who have moved up from Future Dolphins and can swim but still need help swimming a full 25 yards before joining our swim team. In this group, swimmers work on improving their stroke and technique, building endurance and learn to follow coaching instructions from the pool deck.

 

Dolphins Swim Team

Our Swim Team is structured the same as any other swim team. We offer two practices a week to train, improve swimming skills and build endurance. Our swimmers compete in the Special Olympics locally, regionally and nationally as well as participate in many social activities. Please submit the application if your swimmer meets the following criteria:

  • Must be a minimum of 8 years old.

  • Able to swim four laps on the surface of the water.

  • Must be able and willing to take directions from the side of the pool.

  • Must be able to work in a lane with others.

Please call our office or email info@nashvilledolphins.org to schedule a practice visit and swim team evaluation after you submit the application. Tryouts are generally held twice a year in January and June.

THANK YOU TO OUR POOL SPONSORS!

Thank you to Our Partner Billy Footwear!

Billy Footwear’s mission is to create mainstream shoes that are fashionable, functional and inclusive for everyone! The zipper shoes revolutionize how footwear is put on and taken off.

When the link below is used, a 15% commission will also be generated for the Nashville Dolphins.

THANK YOU TO PROGRAM SUPPORT FROM FOUNDATIONS!

Through an annual grant cycle, the Nashville Predators Foundation empowered by SmileDirectClub gives out hundreds of thousands of dollars to local charities for projects and programs benefiting youth and their families in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

The USA Swimming Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming and is dedicated to supporting the pursuit of excellence for swimmers at all levels across our sport, from those just learning to swim, to age-group swimmers, to U.S. Olympic hopefuls. By providing funding to teams, athletes, and programs, the USA Swimming Foundation works to build champions and create a legacy for future generations of swimmers.

The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund, Inc. is dedicated to improving the lives of children with special needs and their families. Joey was a wonderful 6-year-old with developmental disabilities, whose bright smile, hearty laugh, and love of life touched many people. JPMF Splash! is a unique water safety program that touches many aspects of our participants’ lives. It promotes physical fitness, exposes them and their families to a life-long leisure activity, as well as, providing social interaction with non-disabled peers and community integration. To learn more about this wonderful organization and the JPMF Splash! program, visit https://jpmf.org/.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. To Learn more, visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/

The Community Foundation awards discretionary grants annually from its unrestricted and field-of-interest funds through an open application process to Middle Tennessee nonprofit organizations addressing community needs and benefiting the well-being of citizens through valuable programs and innovative services. The Foundation connects generosity with need in order to build a stronger community for the future. To learn more, please visit www.CFMT.org.