Para Swimming

Para Swimming is the sport term used for swimmers with a physical, visual or intellectual impairment.  The first step towards being a para swimmer is to join a swimming program.  Once able to swim and race the next step is for a swimmer is to be classified.

If you have questions regarding para swimming, please contact Swim Alberta

Classification Information

Classification identifies the swimmers abilities.  Swimmers must have an eligible impairment in order to be classified.  There are four classification levels; Level 1 (introductory); Level 2 (provincial), Level 3 (national) and International.

The steps to classification are different based on the swimmers impairment (physical, visual or intellectual)

Swimmers with a visual or intellectual impairment can request classification based on a submission of paperwork. Request Classification

The first step for all swimmers with a physical impairment is to complete a level one classification which identifies swimmers as a para swimmer and provides the swimmer rule exceptions when appropriate. Request Classification

For swimmers aged 12 and older with a physical impairment to be classified at Level 2 (provincial) they will need to attend an in person classifications which in Alberta is done every November as a part of the Para Swimming Camp.  These swimmers should be swimming competitively, meaning attending sanctioned swim meets.  Swimmers with a physical impairment should be able to swim a 200m IM in competition.  During classification they will be expected to swim at least 150m of each stroke at race pace broken into skills of kick, pull and swim.  Request Classification

Once a swimmer is classified they will be identified by a series of numbers and letters that relate to their abilities for each stroke.  For more information about each classification go to the Lexi.Global website.

IMPORTANT LINKS

• Provincial Time Standards
• Swimming Canada Para Swimming Information
• Classified Para Swimmers
• Para Points Calculator