Adaptive Swim Lessons: Lucy’s Inspiring Journey at Aqua-Tots

March may be Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, but in 2025, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD) highlighted a theme that stretches far beyond the calendar: “We’re Here All Year.” 

This message centers on something crucial. Visibility, accessibility, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities should never be seasonal. For many families, access to supportive environments is not simply beneficial. It’s life changing. 

This is especially true for one Arizona teen: Lucy Cook.

Born at just 23 weeks, Lucy lives with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and vision challenges. But anyone who meets her quickly learns that these parts of her story do not define her. What stands out is her warmth, humor, determination, and eagerness to try new things, even things that once felt intimidating. 

In late 2023, after seeing videos online, Lucy asked her mother if she could tour their local Aqua-Tots Swim School. 

“I thought of it because I was looking on Facebook and I saw some of Aqua-Tots’ videos,” Lucy said. “I thought it would be fun to start swimming here because the coaches looked really nice and friendly.” 

Stephanie, Lucy’s mother, remembers that tour vividly. 

“Gavin, the school owner, just happened to be there that day, and he was so awesome, so friendly, so knowledgeable, so kind,” she said. “Certain people just seem to be intuitive about how to interact with Lucy, and it was such a good experience. I had no intention of signing her up that day, but we left, signed up, and scheduled to start swim that Saturday.”

Gaining Strength Through Adaptive Swim Lessons 

What began as a weekend activity quickly became something much bigger for Lucy. It became a place to grow, strengthen her body, and feel genuinely supported. 

Finding an accessible form of exercise has been a challenge in the past, but the combination of a warm pool, adaptive swim lessons, and the right coach has made all the difference. Lucy was initially hesitant about having a male swim instructor. She really wanted a “princess” teacher. But Coach Cory changed everything. 

“From the first second that we met Cory, he has just been phenomenal,” Stephanie said. “So caring, so patient and fun, and she absolutely adores him. My biggest apprehension was just making sure that whoever was working with her was comfortable because it is a unique situation. But he did not miss a beat. He has been really fantastic.

With each lesson, Lucy has gained more freedom of movement and has built strength that supports her daily life. What might look like small steps to others, such as floating, kicking, or rolling from stomach to back, are meaningful milestones for her. Each skill she masters reinforces safety and confidence. 

Why Stories Like Lucy’s Matter

When Stephanie watches Lucy float independently, roll confidently, or cheerfully greet her coach, she is not just seeing swim skills. She is seeing empowerment, growth, and joy. 

Lucy looks forward to her lessons each week, to the friends who greet her when she arrives, and to the milestones she keeps reaching. Her journey brings the NACDD’s theme to life. Meaningful inclusion happens in the everyday spaces where children learn, grow, and connect with others. For Lucy, Aqua-Tots has become that place. It is a warm and supportive environment where she feels capable, confident, and celebrated. 

Lucy’s story reinforces a powerful truth: There is a place for every child in the water. And there is a place for every family at Aqua-Tots. 

Aqua-Tots: A Place to Grow and Belong 

As Lucy puts it, “My teacher has helped me feel more confident and comfortable, and I feel like I am accomplishing a lot, because he helps me to not be scared of the skills.” 

Her mom sees the difference, too. Swim lessons have strengthened Lucy’s physical abilities, while boosting her happiness, excitement for weekends, and overall sense of belonging. 

“Whenever I walk in the door on Saturdays, the staff are always greeting me, making me feel welcome, and making me feel like I belong.” – Lucy Cook

One of her favorite things is looking back. Lucy often watches videos from her earlier lessons or observes other classes, reflecting on how far she has come and how much more she is ready to take on. 

Water Safety Is Essential for Children of All Abilities 

Lucy’s progress paints a heartwarming picture. Her story also reflects something bigger: water safety is a universal need, and accessibility matters. 

In 2023, nearly 73 million children and teens lived in the United States, almost one-fifth of the population. But despite how often families engage in water activities, a Red Cross survey revealed a troubling gap: 

• 94% of parents expect their children to be around water. 

• 61% say their kids cannot perform the five basic water safety skills that could save their lives. 

This risk is especially significant for the more than three million children under 18 who live with a disability, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 

For many families, these statistics reflect real challenges. Accessible, individualized instruction can be hard to find, and children with disabilities often face limited recreational opportunities. 

Lucy’s success is more than a personal achievement. It is a reminder of what becomes possible when a child has a safe, welcoming, and adaptive place to learn.

Aqua-Tots: There’s A Place for Everyone Here 

Lucy’s journey is a powerful reminder that progress looks different for every child, but confidence, safety, and belonging should never be out of reach. Her growth in the water reflects what’s possible when lessons are adaptive, instructors are compassionate, and children are truly seen for who they are.  

Know a parent looking for swim lessons for children with disabilities? Aqua-Tots is here to help! We believe there is a place for everyone at Aqua-Tots, and through our S.N.A.P.® swim lesson program, our inclusive swim schools thoughtfully adapt lessons for our eight levels to support each child’s unique needs. We have helped create success in the pool for many children across a variety of different disabilities, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, vision issues, difficulty walking, and more.

If you’re looking for a swim school that prioritizes water safety, confidence, and inclusion, reach out to your local Aqua-Tots Swim School or contact us to learn more about the accommodations offered. We look forward to helping your child learn how to become safe and confident in the water!