Lane Swimming

• While some developmental disabilities may require supervision and other special allowances, other developmental disabilities are mild enough that the person's abilities in the water should not be drastically impacted. For these kinds of people, activities like lane swimming are perfectly fine. In fact, some pools have specific lanes or preference given on a specific lane for those with disabilities.
  
  

Water Aerobics

• Another activity popular with those who have developmental disabilities is water aerobics. Many disabled people are unable to do aerobic exercise in more traditional ways, like running or cycling, but water aerobics is an obvious solution. It provides support for the body so that injuries are far less likely but also offers a moderate amount of resistance, so that moving limbs get a good workout.
  
  

Water Weights

• Water weight routines are another popular activity for those with developmental disabilities. Similar to the benefits of water aerobics, the water supports the body while training with water weights or resistance bands, lessening the chances of injury. Training with water weights in a pool is an ideal way for the developmentally disabled to get a good workout, especially when combined with water aerobics.
  
  

Free Swimming

• Of course, health and fitness are not the only reasons to enjoy the pool. A few hours at the pool can be as much a social event as a way to get exercise, and those with developmental disabilities can also benefit from the social aspects of spending time at the pool and interacting with others. Those with developmental disabilities tend to lead relatively sedentary and cloistered lives, and swimming can provide an escape from that.