A classroom with a 10-metre heated pool and a majestic bushland setting? Sounds pretty inviting doesn’t it? That’s the location of Rainbow Swim Therapy, a small family business nestled among natural bushland a few minutes’ drive from Childers.
Owner/operator Kate Welch said the location of the pool was central to its success in providing all manner of swimming tuition from learn-to-swim-classes and water aerobics to its more specialised role in assisting children challenged with the effects of autism and cerebral palsy.
“Patience is probably the greatest gift anyone involved in teaching can possess and I believe it’s my best attribute,” said Kate.
“I have been involved in the swimming business pretty much for the 10 years we have been in Childers after arriving from South Australia.
“During that time I have immersed myself in learning as much as I can about the abilities and qualifications I need to assist children with water safety and particularly to assist kids with special needs.
“The advent of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has provided a focus on the services we offer and we have really been reaching out to those families who have children who can and are benefitting from the therapeutic benefits of safe water activities.
“I have a wall full of certificates and accreditations which is great, but I like to think I have the ability to build empathy with my clients which is something a certificate can’t give you but which is so important in achieving maximum results,” said Kate.
“The natural setting we have here with bushland converging on the pool is a major advantage especially for autistic kids who really relate to the tranquillity of our surroundings.”
Kate said she had constantly been upgrading facilities and the pool is now heated and she also has a lifting device which makes the pool more accessible for those with disabilities or joint complaints. Wheelchair access and rail access into the pool are also in place.
“I have five classes of water aerobics at the moment and I know our ladies enjoy the activity as well as the social interaction each session brings. Our swim classes have experienced incredible growth and in a six-month period we went from 30 participants to well over 100.
Kate said she believed this interest and involvement clearly demonstrated the need for the services being provided at Rainbow Swim Therapy.
“It is also an advantage having these services locally as it negates the need for parents or carers to drive to the regional cities in this area to access the required programs.
“Obviously all the programs are tailored to suit individual needs and the low-impact exercise in water really does produce great results in rehabilitation and strengthening outcomes.”
“I personally have a passion to help as many people as I can,” said Kate.
“We are NDIS registered and I am always available to chat with anyone regarding the services we offer or how a program can be tailored to benefit their particular requirements.”
Rainbow Swim Therapy is located at 251 Rainbow Road, South Isis and Kate can be contacted on 0414 334 887 or on Facebook.
- Service information shared at Childers Options Day
