The Halliwick Concept: Independence and Confidence in Water

The Halliwick Concept is a respected aquatic approach that helps people of all ages and abilities learn to move independently in water, enjoy aquatic activities, and, where possible, learn to swim. It combines physical principles of water with structured learning and a focus on confidence, social inclusion, and wellbeing.

What is the Halliwick Concept?

The International Halliwick Association defines it as “an approach to teaching all people, in particular, focusing on those with physical and/or learning difficulties, to participate in water activities, to move independently in water, and to swim.”

Unlike traditional swimming lessons, Halliwick does not rely on flotation aids. Instead, it uses buoyancy, resistance, and turbulence to help learners gain their own balance and control in water. This makes it highly adaptable and empowering for people with diverse needs.

The Ten-Point Programme

Halliwick is structured around a Ten-Point Programme, which provides a step-by-step pathway. Some of the key elements include:

• Mental Adjustment – becoming comfortable in water and developing breath control.

• Disengagement – moving from supported to independent movement.

• Rotation Control – learning to control the body through different axes (rolling, floating, turning).

• Upthrust & Balance – understanding buoyancy and finding stability in stillness.

• Turbulent Gliding & Basic Swimming – using water’s natural forces for movement and progression towards swimming strokes.

This structure helps learners build confidence, stability, and independence at their own pace.

Benefits of Halliwick

The Halliwick Concept is widely used for both education and therapy. Reported benefits include:

• Improved balance and core stability

• Enhanced motor control and coordination

• Reduced fear of water and increased confidence

• Opportunities for social inclusion and enjoyment

• Therapeutic outcomes such as improved posture, mobility, and participation in daily life

Who can benefit from the Halliwick Method?

Because it is adaptable, Halliwick can benefit children, adults, elderly participants, and people with physical or learning difficulties, including:

• People with physical disabilities (e.g. spinal injury, cerebral palsy, mobility impairments)

• People with learning difficulties or cognitive impairment, where water gives opportunities for sensory feedback, confidence building.

• Elderly people, especially those with balance problems or risk of falls.

• Anyone afraid of water, or lacking confidence, even without diagnosed disability — because Halliwick works with adjustment, fear, mental adaptation.

Halliwick in Therapy

When applied in rehabilitation, Halliwick is often called Water Specific Therapy (WST). Here, the same principles support therapeutic goals such as balance training, neurorehabilitation, and mobility development. WST is used by physiotherapists and other allied health professionals alongside land-based interventions.

Training with the AIAB

At the Australian Institute of Aquatic Bodywork (AIAB), we offer certified Halliwick Courses. These combine theory and pool practice to give swim teachers, therapists, carers, and support workers the skills to implement Halliwick safely and effectively.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with the Ten-Point Programme, mental adjustment techniques, and balance training, while learning how to adapt Halliwick for both education and therapy.

Our courses focus on both the technical and human aspects—helping participants understand motor learning and balance while also creating safe, enjoyable, and inclusive aquatic environments.

Is Halliwick Training For You?

Training in the Halliwick method is ideal for anyone wanting to use water as a safe, enjoyable, and therapeutic environment to support others. Participants often include:

• 🏊 Swim teachers and instructors – looking to teach inclusive swimming and water confidence.

• 💧 Physiotherapists, OTs, and hydro-therapists – expanding therapeutic tools for balance, mobility, and rehabilitation.

• 🤝 Carers and support workers – learning safe and empowering ways to assist clients in water.

• 📚 Special education and school staff – integrating aquatic activities into inclusive learning.

• 🌊 Aquatic professionals and coaches – broadening skills to work with diverse groups.

Final Thoughts

The Halliwick Concept is more than a swimming method. It’s a pathway to confidence, independence, and participation in water. For many, it can be life-changing—opening up not just swimming, but social connection, freedom, and a sense of achievement.