Joey’s Story: A Year of Courage in the Water

Every Saturday at 9am, Joey is in the pool. It’s the highlight of his week — and something he looks forward to every single day.

Joey has ADHD and autism. For him, swimming is about more than just moving through the water. It helps him focus, brings him confidence, and gives him a place where he can be brave.

This February marks one year since Joey started his 1:1 swimming lessons with his teacher, Coaimhe. In that time, he’s made incredible progress: Joey can now swim 8 metres without armbands. On a family holiday to Turkey, he even joined water aerobics — no floats, no checking the pool depth. Just Joey, enjoying the water like any other child.

For Samantha, Joey’s mum, this opportunity means the world.
She explains:
💬 “Private swimming lessons would have been £250 a month, which we just couldn’t afford. I just want to say how thankful I am — Joey is coming on so much with his 1-2-1 teacher Caoimhe. It’s brilliant that he’s been given this opportunity. Just because he’s different doesn’t mean he shouldn’t learn to swim. He’s definitely getting too big for me to carry, and he’s improved so much. Thank you once again Level Water!”

Relationships are key to Joey’s progress. At school, where he learns in a class of 8 children with 4 teachers, and even on the bus with his driver, trusted adults help him thrive. In the pool, it’s no different. With Caoimhe’s calm voice and gentle manner, Joey feels secure enough to try — and succeed.

Swimming is also a place where Joey learns to listen and trust. Samantha notices the difference: while at home he might resist her guidance, in swimming lessons he listens carefully, even in his dry “swim safety” sessions. Teachers encourage him to be brave, and Joey surprises himself with what he can do.

One year on, swimming has given Joey more than safety skills. It has given him focus, courage, and freedom — things his mum once worried might not be possible.

Help us give this chance to more children

Private swimming lessons cost around £250 a month — a barrier for many families like Joey’s. Thanks to Level Water, children with disabilities are given 1:1 lessons at no extra cost, so they too can learn to swim, grow in confidence, and enjoy the water safely.

💧 With your support, we can make more stories like Joey’s possible.
👉 [Donate today and change a child’s life in the water.]