Swimming Buddies Northern Ireland

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Swimming Buddies Northern Ireland

NI's leading inclusive swim programme for neurodiverse children
🏊Fun & Friendship through swimming
🛟Water Therapy & Safety
🌟 Autism Swim Certified

Swimming Buddies is an accredited Autism Swim centre the first of its kind in Europe. Our sessions run at Fleming Fulton School and we also work in partnership with Belfast’s GLL Brook Activity centre to bring this essential life skill to more families. At Swimming Buddies we aim to help all our buddies reach their full potential in swimming and stay safe in the water while making some new friends

along the way. For children with autism swimming can be a very therapeutic activity, calming the sensory overloads of our world. As autistic children view, feel and understand the world in a unique way it means that the teaching process for learning to swim must be unique also. Our coaches have experience with children with autism and understand the best teaching techniques to use while helping children to stay safe in the water. Coaches have wide and varied experience and focus on child centered learning with adaptable teaching methods, using visual aids and supports to help with processing key points of swimming and water safety.Currently, our classes are based in Belfast but with your help and support we can establish swim schools throughout Northern Ireland. To discuss how you can help make this a reality, email [email protected] or send us a message on Facebook. We look forward to welcoming you on your swimming journey with Swimming Buddies.

19/06/2026

☀️ Summer Safety with Coach Mattie! 🌊

Mattie has been out and about on Northern Ireland's lovely beaches to get some pictures to help you explain to your Buddie where lifeguards are and how to stay safe this Summer.

We also have lots more advice in our FREE Summer Safety Pack - www.swimmingbuddies.co.uk/guides

17/06/2026

☀️ Summer is when children spend more time around pools, beaches, hot tubs and open water...but drowning can happen quickly and silently

Even a few seconds underwater can cause submersion injury - or secondary drowning - but what signs do you need to look out for? Check this out and share with anyone you know who has kids💡

15/06/2026

We want every family to stay safe around water so this we will be sharing some helpful tips to keep your Buddies safe, but also to have the confidence in themselves if they did get into difficulty near water.

👉 Follow along this week as we share tips, stories, and safety guidance.

25/05/2026

🏖️ Summer’s here… and so is our Swimming Buddies Summer Shop! 🌊

Get ready for beach days with some brand-new gear:
👘 Comfy Robes with easy fasten zip
🩱 Protective Rash Vests
👕 Cosy Personalised Hoodies

Perfect for staying cool in the sun, warm after a swim, and stylish all summer long!

👉 Shop now at www.swimmingbuddies.co.uk

11/05/2026

Swimming Buddies is dedicated to helping children not only learn to stay safe near water, but to feel supported and empowered too 🙌

Our Buddies move, play, and connect in the water - having fun along the way! Because let's be real, a good laugh is as good as therapy isn't it?

04/05/2026

🌊 Meet Coach Mattie
🍟 Favourite Food: Chips
🎞️ Favourite Film: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
✨ Fun Fact: I'm autistic and started as a volunteer! My favourite pool is Fleming Fulton as the floor feels so nice underfoot
💬 Why She Loves It: "I love how Swimming Buddies makes all needs the norm, it’s not an issue, but a strength!"

29/04/2026

Summer is coming ☀️Give your little one a head start in the water that lasts a lifetime 🐳⁠
⁠
Starting swimming early isn’t about creating mini Olympians, it’s about building confidence, comfort, and calm in the water⁠
⁠
Babies who swim regularly:⁠
💙 Feel more relaxed in new environments⁠
💙 Develop stronger coordination⁠
💙 Learn important water awareness (yes, even this young!)⁠
⁠
And honestly? It’s one of the sweetest ways to bond. Skin-to-skin, eye contact, giggles… it’s magic.⁠
⁠
Our baby swim classes are on Saturday mornings at Fleming Fulton (warmer pool...win win) and are open to all babies under 5 - so why not book in for a FREE TASTER SESSION today using link in bio 🌊⁠
⁠
Share this with anyone you know with a little one 😀

27/04/2026

Swimming Buddies is 9! And if anyone knows me, they know I’ll cringe at pushing myself - so instead of explaining why I started Swimming Buddies, I’ll share this video sharing the spotlight with my daughter Katherine…as she was the catalyst really so deserves to tell her story too

13/04/2026

As our Buddies are individual learners and view, feel and understand the world in a unique way it means that the teaching process must be unique too.

Our expert coaches deliver child centred learning, adaptable to each Buddie's needs, using visual aids, Makaton and supports to help process key swimming and water safety information.

Our team is committed to creating a warm and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported.

02/04/2026

This we’re shining a light on what really matters: Belonging

Every child deserves the chance to thrive in an environment that embraces their uniqueness ✨️

At Swimming Buddies we’re proud to offer sessions for children of all abilities to learn essential water safety skills and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of swimming. A place where neurodiverse children and families feel seen, supported, and BELONG as part of our community 🏊‍♀️

Address

Belfast

Telephone

07746724160

Website

http://swimmingbuddies.co.uk/

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