What adaptation is commonly used in swimming for athletes with disabilities?

The use of floating devices or specialized blocks is a common adaptation in swimming for athletes with disabilities. Floating devices, such as kickboards, pull buoys, or foam noodles, can provide additional buoyancy and support, helping athletes who may struggle with balance or mobility in the water to participate more effectively. These devices allow athletes to focus on their strokes and movements without the constant challenge of staying afloat.

Specialized blocks, which are modifications to the starting blocks used in competitive swimming, can offer greater stability and accessibility for athletes with certain physical disabilities. This adaptation ensures that all athletes, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to start their races on an equal footing.

In contrast, while specialized diving techniques and customized swimwear can benefit some athletes, they are not as universally applicable to all swimmers with disabilities as floating devices and specialized blocks. Open water swimming, while an exciting and valid sport, is not the only or primary focus for adaptive swimming practices, making it less representative of common adaptations used in a swimming context.