Since the first Paralympics in 1960, swimming has been one of its main sports.
Men and Women compete in different classes depending on their level of function.

Paralympic Classification 

- Classes 1 - 10 swimmers with a disability
- Class 1 is for swimmers with less function
- Class 10 is for swimmers with the most function

- Classes 11-13 is for swimmers with a visual impairment
- Class 11 is for swimmers who are completely blind
- Class 13 is for swimmers with some sight

The prefix 'S' is for the class allocated for freestyle, backstroke and butterfly
The prefix 'SB' is for the class allocated for breaststroke
The prefic 'SM' is for individual medley.

Para Swimming in the Bay of Plenty

There are several options to get swimming in the Bay of Plenty, don't let your physical impairment hold you back!  The below contacts have experience working with para swimmers and are running programmes to include anyone who is interested in getting involved:

BaySwim – Baywave and Greerton

For Learn to Swim, group lessons, and specialised one on one lessons. We also offer race preparation for swimmers.
​​​​​Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/bopbayswim/

Tauranga Swim School
For further information check out their website  Click here 
Facebook  Click here 

United Aquatic Sports - Rotorua

Please contact Henk Greupink uas@clear.net.nz
Henk's programmes include: Paralympics - Swimmers with disabilities
Facebook  Click here

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Swim Training 

For those of you who are looking to Learn to Swim...

CCS Disability Action have a great Swim School Programme for children and adults

swim.school@ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz  07 571 4757.  74 14th Avenue, Tauranga

Freephone: 0800 227 2255 from within Bay of Plenty area (ask to be put through to Swim School)