United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I have a grandson with an OBP injury and he's almost 4 years old. He loves to be in his inflatable pool, that we fill up to above his waist, and he is not afraid of the water but we have to keep an eye on him because he sometimes loses his balance and isn't able to help himself up quickly because of his injured arm. I was wondering if it is possible for someone with this type of injury to learn to swim. I would really like to take him to swimming lessons but I'm not sure how that would work, if at all. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

i can swim! i may look funny, but im confidant in my swimming abilities.. when i go underwater i use my bpi arm to hold my nose sometimes and just propel myself with my good arm and my legs. i went snorkelling in the caribbean last fall, and im planning on going again in alaska this fall! there is no limitation on the things you can do if you dont let the unjury stop you. if he is willing to learn, he will find a way to move in the water that is comfortable to him (i like sidestroke the best) once he larns to float without panickinghelp him find a way to propel himself in the water it will be a learning experience for all

I love to swim! Everyone's injury is different, so I think it'd be best to let him try it out, supervise carefully, and not to panic if it doesn't go right immediately. I'm usually one of the fastest swimmers at my local gym. I can tell there is a big difference in the amount of pull I can get from my left vs. right arm, but I just like doing it, and I know it's one of the best things that I can do to make myself use my BPI arm more often, which we all need to do. Use it or lose it, you know? Those of us who have BPI always manage to find a way. You'd be surprised at how creative people (especially children) can be when they have no other option than to be resourceful. Physical limitation, creative liberation.

-Chris 25/LOBPI

How about this young lady, she could speak about swimming!

http://www.firstgiving.com/raquelboales

Thank you all for your replies, this gives me great hope for Matthew. God bless.

Had to post really quick. Jojo (ROBPI) passed the deep water pool test this summer and he just turned 6!!! Kids and adults can do anything! Jojo takes a totally different path, but always ends up at the same destination as his peers. best of luck!

Marlyn

p.s - his injury is severe- no function. he literally swims with one arm

My son is about Javier's age, and he also has free reign of our community and home pools after passing his deepwater test. Even though his injury is not all that severe, he doesn't have a lot of over-head shoulder range. So he doesn't use either of his hands/arms very much, but swims much like a snorkeler does, popping up for air whenever he needs it. He probably will never do the crawl stroke (or "freestyle" as they call it now) well or possibly at all. As he gets more comfortable he'll probably learn the side-stroke. Right now, he just has fun... and LOVES the water!

Kate

I've been swimming since I was a very small child. I never even thought about not being able to. I may look a little funny when I swim but I do it and really enjoyed it. I use to take water aerobics...again not perfect form but great pleasure. I think my arm floats in water more than the left arm but exercise is so much easier in water.