How Swimming Gave Kyllian the Freedom to Fly

Six-year-old Kyllian has found independence, confidence, and pure joy through adapted swimming lessons

When Kyllian first entered the pool, he wore two arm discs on each arm and could only bob up and down in circles. Being blind, he had no way of knowing where the pool edges were or how to gauge the depth of the water around him.

Today, Kyllian swims independently in the deep end without any aids or flotation devices. He can complete roughly six lengths of the pool, and his confidence has grown so much that he'll sometimes try to swim away from his teacher because he just wants to keep going.

For Kyllian's mum, Becky, watching this transformation has been nothing short of life-changing.

Overcoming Unique Challenges

Kyllian was born with a grade IV in utero brain bleed, resulting in several disabilities including severe visual impairment, cerebral palsy, cognitive processing and speech delay, and epilepsy. These challenges meant that learning to swim required innovative approaches and patient, skilled instruction.

Working closely with his Level Water teacher, Kyllian has developed clever techniques to navigate the pool independently. He listens for the sound of the drains along the pool's edge and sometimes touches them with his fingers to confirm he's near the side. He's learned to locate different coloured tiles and feel for the lane ropes, helping him make his way confidently across the pool to the deep end.

Some skills proved particularly tricky. Floating on his back and jumping into the pool were scary propositions for a child who can't see what he's jumping into and struggles with balance due to cerebral palsy. But Kyllian and his teacher developed a strategy: "Going up, Going down!" Kyllian pushes down with his strength to feel if his feet can touch the bottom, checking the depth in his own way. For jumping, he holds his teacher's arm and leans forward at the pool's edge, gradually building the confidence to enter the water from a standing position.

For back floating, Kyllian stays close to the pool's edge with one arm outstretched, using his fingers to maintain contact with the wall as he glides through the water.

A Unique Swimming Style

The highly skilled Level Water instructors have created a truly tailored learning experience for Kyllian. He's even developed his own signature move – what his family lovingly calls the "Kyllian stroke" – combining breaststroke arms with butterfly legs.

"Kyllian is a fish!" his school teacher wrote in his report, noting that he's the best swimmer in his class. This success at school is a direct result of the foundation built through his one-to-one Level Water sessions.

A Safe Space to Feel Free

Due to his visual impairment and limited mobility, Kyllian faces an increased risk of trips, falls, and injuries in his daily life. But in the water, everything changes.

"With the help of this funding, Kyllian has learnt that the water is a safe space for him where he can truly feel free," says Becky. "Once he is safely in the pool, he doesn't have to worry about falling, and can move around without any fear."

The transformation is visible on Kyllian's face. "The pure happiness on Kyllian's face when he is swimming is a joy to watch," Becky shares. "As his Mom, I sit with tears in my eyes every week watching Kyllian swim at his one-to-one Level Water lessons. I am truly amazed at the progress Kyllian has made and still makes from week to week, and I'm in complete awe of the absolute dedication and love that Kyllian shows for swimming each and every time."

Finding His Voice

Kyllian has global developmental delay and speech and language delay, making him a young man of very few words. But swimming has given him something important enough to express verbally.

"Was a Reeealllllyyyy good swim!" he's been heard to say after sessions, and even, "I love swimming!" For Kyllian to vocalize these happy and energized feelings speaks volumes about what swimming means to him.

Beyond the Pool

Swimming has become Kyllian's primary form of exercise and a central part of his life. When the family goes on holiday to a centre specifically designed for disabled people, booking time slots in the pool is the first thing they do. The staff there know Kyllian's passion and allocate him extra time whenever possible – swimming is always the highlight of any holiday.

Kyllian has also tried canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking with support. When he inevitably ended up in the water (not realizing it was a lake and not just a big swimming pool!), Becky knew he'd be fine. Swimming back to the side or climbing onto the rafts with assistance was no issue for him.

His achievements continue to grow. Kyllian has earned his Stage 1 Swimmer badge from Beavers and his time on the water badge from trying open water activities. He's also registered with a local disabled swimming club, though the crowded sessions make movement more challenging for him.

A Message of Gratitude

"There's no doubt that Kyllian has already come so far on his swimming journey, and Kyllian loves every minute of his time in the water," reflects Becky. "Swimming propels Kyllian forwards emotionally, physically and cognitively. It really makes the difference to hear about what Kyllian CAN do, which is such a welcome and refreshing change."

"We cannot thank you enough Level Water and The Alan Edward Higgs Charity for the difference you have made to our little boy's life in so many ways. THANK YOU!"

Level Water provides one-to-one swimming lessons for disabled children across the UK. Our qualified instructors use tailored teaching methods specific to each child's needs, helping them discover confidence, independence, and joy in the water. To learn more about our programme or to refer a child, visit levelwater.org.

This programme is delivered in partnership with The Alan Edward Higgs Charity (Registered charity 1151510).