YMCA Swim Lessons Helped Patrick Gain Confidence and Stay Safe

When Patrick first came to the pool at YMCA at Norton Commons, the goal was simple: to build water safety skills. For Patrick, a young boy who is a paraplegic, safety around water was especially important. But what began as swim lessons quickly grew into something far more impactful. 

More Than Swim Lessons 

Patrick’s mom, Maggie, remembers how uncertain their family felt before finding the Y.

“There’s a lot that makes Patrick very special. Despite having a spinal cord injury, he has overcome so many obstacles and has been able to do most things that his peers can do. When we came to the Y, it was great because we felt so comfortable with Linda—and he feels comfortable as well.”

Finding a swim program that could meet Patrick’s unique needs wasn’t easy. At the Y, the Leonards' discovered more than a swim lesson—they found an instructor who believed in Patrick’s potential.

The Power of a Caring Instructor

Linda Word, Aquatics Program Director at YMCA at Norton Commons, works with children and adults of all abilities to help them build confidence in the water. With Patrick, she started by focusing on trust and safety, slowly helping him grow more comfortable and confident each week.

Under her guidance, Patrick has moved beyond wearing a lifejacket in the pool to swimming on his own—something Maggie says has been life-changing.

Confidence Beyond the Pool

Today, Patrick isn’t just learning strokes and skills—he’s discovering confidence that reaches into every part of his life.

He now splashes down water slides with his sister and celebrates each new milestone with pride. As Maggie explains: “It’s nice because we are able to do a lot more as a family where Patrick feels at the same level as everyone else.”

Why Swim Lessons Matter

Patrick’s journey is a reminder of why swim lessons at the Y are about more than swimming. They are about:

• Safety: Helping children feel secure around water.
• Confidence: Building skills that spark pride and independence.
• Belonging: Creating a supportive environment where every child is celebrated for who they are.

At YMCA of Greater Louisville, we offer several swim programs for all ages and abilities—from swim lessons and teams to Safety Around Water, lifeguard training, 100 mile swim club, and more. Browse our swim programs and come make a splash with us!