Course curriculum

    1. Aims of the course

    2. Workbook Download

    1. Why do we submerge?

    2. The Origins of Modern Submersion Practices

    3. A History of Submersion - Igor Charkovsky

    4. Our journey with submersion

    5. Understanding Conditioning

    6. Challenges with Conditioned Submersions

    7. Positioning

    1. Understanding Trauma and Trauma Responses

    2. Trauma is Personal Experience

    3. Fight, Flight, Fawn or Freeze

    4. Submersion as a Three-Part Experience

    5. The Build Up

    6. The Main Event

    7. The After...

    1. Happiness in the pool : Play as Professional Practice

    2. Memories - Trust versus Trauma

    3. Chemical Responses: Happy Hormones

    4. Chemical Responses: Stress Hormones

    5. The Chemical Affect on Bonding and Trust

    6. Building a Partnership: No pressure observation

    7. Building a Partnership: No pressure playing

    8. Building a Partnership: Supporting not leading

    1. Underwater Photography

    2. Drown Proofing

    3. How do each of these view submersions?

    4. From a Baby's Perspective

    5. An Adult's Experience

    6. The Benefit of a Child-Led Approach

    7. Child-led from Platform

    8. Listening to the 'NO'

    9. Working Within the Group

    10. Progress Is Not Linear

    11. When Progress Feels Slow

    12. Reframing Success

    1. Developmental Framework

    2. Physical Child Development

    3. Aquatic Developmental Timeline

    4. Vestibular System

    5. Proprioception

    6. Facial Development

    7. Reflexes - Why are they important in submersion practices?

    8. Moro in relation to submersions

    9. Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR) in relation to submersions

    10. Gag in relation to submersions

About this course

  • £99.00
  • 67 lessons
  • 0 hours of video content

Instructor(s)

Aqua Therapists Julie and Zara

Julie and Zara are experienced swim educators and hydrotherapists, specialising in training teachers and aquatic professionals who support children and adults with Special Educational Needs (SEN). With a strong focus on neonatal reflexes and early movement, they highlight how these foundations influence behaviour, emotions, and learning in the water. As more children present with additional needs, Zara and Julie provide the insight and practical tools teachers need to adapt with confidence. Their backgrounds in pre- and perinatal therapy bring an extra depth of understanding, exploring how experiences before and after birth shape a baby’s development. Together, they are passionate about empowering educators with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive, trauma-free aquatic experiences where every learner can thrive.