The Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) First Swim made a big splash at the recent Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) conference in Irvine, California. OPAF board member Lauren McVey-Harsch led the clinic with a host of volunteers, including physical therapy students from North Georgia University, Dahlonga.
First Swim 2010 participant receiving instructions from OPAF volunteers. Photograph courtesy of OPAF.
First Swim invites people with amputations back to the water and works to help them feel comfortable both in and around the pool.
During the clinic, 25 amputees ventured into the water and worked on kicking, breathing, and swimming strokes. Participants received both one-on-one and group coaching to help them improve their style in the water. One participant, Florraine Johnson of Atlanta, arrived unable to swim and left the event having crossed the pool several times. Other participants challenged themselves by swimming without their prostheses and working to improve their abilities in the water.
For more information, contact OPAF at rlb@opfund.org or 319.235.4318.
