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Adapted swimming for people with disabilities begins on the beaches of El Puerto

swimmer swimming

In the middle of July, it was time for summer to begin for everyone in the province of Cádiz. Specifically, on the beaches of El Puerto de Santa María, where the Association of People with Functional Diversity La Gaviota has launched the Hidrosport program to help swimming on the beach of Valdelagrana.

Thanks to the City Council’s commitment and resolution to pay the necessary help to carry out the initiative, many people with reduced mobility will be able to enjoy swimming without any barriers.

This initiative, financed with around 18,000 euros, began Wednesday, July 22 and will last until the second half of September. The Hidrosport program is one of the priority objectives set out in La Gaviota’s agenda, something that cannot be missed every summer to improve the quality of life and health of people with mobility problems. For its correct operation, an adapted tent has been installed on the same beach so that users remain there while they are not swimming.

Five professionals will take care of the person who wants to swim, specifically, three beach assistants, a physical therapist, a driver for the support van, and also a beach coordinator.

The hours to enjoy this activity will be from Monday to Friday, from 11:00 to 15:00. It is mandatory for users to register in advance.

It should be noted that, due to the pandemic we are experiencing, the beach service will be subject to strict prevention protocols​​. The professionals in charge of assisting users will be equipped with personal protective equipment and will follow protective measures. Likewise, vehicles and vests will be sanitized for each use.

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