Helen's Story
Selwyn Aquatic Centre
Helen Grice has always loved swimming, but after a spinal injury from the February 2011 earthquake, she struggled to find a swimming pool that was accessible. That all changed 18 months ago when her physiotherapist suggested they try the Selwyn Aquatic Centre.
What impressed Helen almost straight away was the setting, with views from the centre looking south towards the Southern Alps. Disabled parking spaces were also easy to negotiate.
“The staff were so wonderful too: they gave me a tour, showed me where everything was and told me to call out if I needed anything. They have the most amazing changing rooms – very clean and they can also be locked. The one I use has a shower, toilet and overhead hoist so I can be easily lifted onto the changing table.”
On her first visit, Helen tried out the hydrotherapy pool, entering it down a ramp by sitting in a wheelchair equipped to go into the water. There are two of these chairs at the centre.
“From there, you just float from the chair into the water. To begin with, I had flotation aids under my neck, arms and legs to help me and I also had my physio, carer and another coach in there with me. It was so warm, like floating into bathwater. It felt so relaxing!”
Helen’s progress since that first visit has been considerable. She is now swimming unaided in the main pool and using lanes to complete circuits of backstroke, freestyle and a form of aqua jog, along with arm exercises. After 50 minutes’ swimming, Helen unwinds in the hydrotherapy pool. Apart from assistance to get in and out and dressed after the swim, Helen is in charge.
“I love being in an environment where I feel like I’m on equal terms with how I was before I was paralysed. I don’t have the cage of a wheelchair around me.”
As well as its accessibility, Helen enjoys the centre’s friendly, social community. “Everyone is just so encouraging.” Helen’s ultimate goal is to go scuba diving with family members in the North Island.