Making Waves: Kinesiology class Brings Inclusive Aquatics to Life
At the BRIC pool, every lesson produces mutual benefits. The Cal Poly Pomona students who are the instructors in Teaching Aquatics, or Kinesiology 3130, are learning how to lead, adapt, and connect in real time. The participants who are swimmers with disabilities are building confidence in the water at the same time.
KIN 3130 is more than just a class. It’s where learning meets purpose.
Launched through the Motor Development Clinic (MDC), the Adapted Aquatics Program is the first of its kind at CPP, offering personalized swim instruction for individuals with disabilities, all led by kinesiology students under the guidance of Associate Professor Mai Jara.
“This isn’t just about teaching swimming,” Jara said. “It’s about creating access, building confidence and giving our students real-world experience that truly matters.”
Become by Leading
In KIN 3130, students step into the role of instructor, working directly with participants from the community. Each session is tailored to the individual, requiring students to think critically, adapt quickly and connect on a human level.
For kinesiology senior Josh Smay, the experience has been eye-opening.
“You can learn about adaptive techniques in a classroom,” he said, “but being in the water, working one-on-one, you really understand how important patience, communication and trust are.”
Students are responsible for designing lesson plans, adjusting instruction in real time and ensuring a safe, supportive environment. This immersion in hands-on learning mirrors the kinds of careers many of them hope to pursue.
“You’re not just observing,” Smay added. “You’re doing the work. You’re building relationships. And you see the impact immediately.”
A Program That Extends Beyond Campus
While the class offers invaluable experience for students, its impact stretches far beyond CPP.
Through the MDC, community members with a range of disabilities can enroll in the program, gaining access to specialized aquatic instruction that is often difficult to find.
For participants like Jimmy English, the program is something to look forward to.
English, 32, has been part of the MDC for more than 15 years. When he joined the aquatics program, he quickly found a new favorite activity.
He loved the time in the pool, learning, improving and connecting with the student instructors.
“The teachers are really nice,” he said. “I like being in the water and learning how to swim.”
His mother, Denise English, has seen firsthand the difference programs like this can make.
She praised the welcoming environment and the dedication of both students and faculty, especially Jara’s ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
“It’s more than just a class,” she said. “It’s a place where people feel supported and encouraged.”
Building Confidence on Both Sides of the Pool
One of the most powerful aspects of the program is how transformative it is for everyone involved.
Participants gain confidence in the water, develop new skills and experience a sense of independence. At the same time, students grow as educators, professionals and advocates.
“They come in a little unsure at first,” Jara said of her students. “But by the end, they’re leading sessions, making decisions and truly understanding what inclusive teaching looks like.”
By combining academic instruction with meaningful community engagement, the program embodies Cal Poly Pomona’s “Become by Doing” philosophy in a deeply human way.
A Ripple Effect of Opportunity
As the Adapted Aquatics Program continues to grow, its impact is already clear.
It’s creating pathways for students to gain specialized experience in adaptive physical education. It’s expanding access to resources for the disability community. And it’s building connections that extend far beyond the pool.
For Jara, this is just the beginning.
“We’re building something that benefits everyone,” she said. “Our students, our participants and the community as a whole.”