Swimmers in Port Coquitlam seeking a calmer, quieter pool experience will soon have their own special weekly session at the leisure pool in the city’s community centre.
New “sensory-friendly” swim times will begin Sept. 10, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., recurring every Tuesday.
While the sessions are open to all swimmers, special accommodations like reduced noise levels and no speaker announcements will create a more inclusive space for people with sensory processing needs or anyone who needs a less stimulating environment.
Other features of the sessions include:
- no background music
- water features are turned off
- whistles used only for emergencies
- the use of paper towels in the bathrooms is encouraged, instead of hand dryers
- a designated sensory-friendly break room
- transition warnings
