Shall we all get in the pool?!

Pool for everyone!

What if getting into a swimming pool wasn't simple?

For many people with reduced mobility, the swimming pool is not always a place of leisure. Often it is just another barrier to overcome. A seemingly simple gesture like entering a swimming pool should be simple, safe and dignified... and accessible to everyone.

The Clube Fluvial Portuense, the club I've belonged to for about a decade, has athletes with motor disabilities in Adapted Swimming. But they're not the only ones! At Fluvial there are students and other members – children and adults – with motor disabilities and/or mobility problems.

For people with disabilities or motor impairments, the aquatic environment is valuable and synonymous with a freedom they often cannot experience outside of water. The benefits are numerous – in terms of coordination, posture, balance, and even autonomy. But to achieve all these benefits, there is a major obstacle to overcome: getting in and out of the water. Currently, wheelchair transfers are done relying on the goodwill and physical effort of others – coaches, teachers, lifeguards, or other pool users – who carry the person in their arms in and out of the water.

My colleagues from Adapted Swimming and I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the pool comfortably and safely, and the PandaPool portable pool lift will allow everyone to enter the pool safely, comfortably, independently, and with dignity. The PandaPool has automatic traction, meaning it requires no effort from the operator, 8 safety levels, electric, hydraulic, and motorized operation, and, among other features, allows entry into the water in just 25 seconds.

Fluvial is currently unable to cover the entire investment in this portable elevator, but can cover 50% of the cost. With this campaign, we want to raise the remaining amount.

Your contribution can help children, adults, and the elderly enter the water more easily, without obstacles or barriers. Support the campaign! Let's all get in the pool!

About the author

Débora Santos, 33 years old, Social Educator. Competitive Adapted Swimming Athlete at Clube Fluvial Portuense.

I've been practicing this sport competitively for 15 years, but the aquatic environment has been a second home to me since I was little. My connection to Fluvial is nine years old. Together with my teammates, I decided to start this crowdfunding project so that we can provide all swimmers, whether competitive or not, with independent access to the water, since many club members would benefit from this equipment.

Budget and due dates

As soon as we have raised the necessary funds, the elevator purchase will be made within 15 days (depending on the supplier's availability and transportation).

Images

Documents

• Orçamento do Elevador

  pdf • 1.1 MB