By Chloe Meehan | TU Trustee
Let us tell you about Halliwick!
Halliwick is a method of movement in water used by our therapists at Catrin’s Penguins to support our wonderful swimmers. While we also use a range of other hydrotherapy concepts and techniques, today’s post focuses on Halliwick. Several of our therapists have received formal Halliwick training and have shared their skills and knowledge to great effect.
Chloë (physiotherapist), one of our Trustees and volunteer’s experience with Halliwick:
‘As soon as I knew I was lucky enough to be going out to PV in 2017 as a student with Therapies Unite I signed up for a Halliwick course here in the UK. I learned the approach and it deepened my understanding of holistic care in the water. I took these skills to PV that year and the techniques came alive, I was so heartened to see what I had learned work with Catrin’s Penguins and I saw first-hand the physiological and psychological benefits they got from these aquatic sessions. Everyone was engaging really nicely with each other and having a lot of fun! I can’t wait to use these skills again in March this year where I’ll be one of the educators taking Keele University students to PV to help out with Catrin’s Penguins.’
Read on to find out more!
Although originally described as a “Method,” the Halliwick Concept extends far beyond the teaching of swimming skills alone. The term “Concept” was later adopted to reflect its broader scope, encompassing the physical, psychological, and social development of the swimmer. As James MacMillan (“Mac”) described it, Halliwick addresses “the mind, the body and the spirit.” The term also reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of the approach, which continues to develop as knowledge expands and experience grows.
The Halliwick Concept is founded on the principles of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, and kinesiology, and is delivered through a holistic framework. It integrates an understanding of the properties of water and the human body with teaching and learning processes, motivation and challenge, activities, games, music, group dynamics, disability equality, and swimming techniques.
Teaching is provided on a one-to-one basis until the swimmer achieves full independence. However, each swimmer–instructor pair operates within a group environment, allowing the swimmer to benefit from both individualised attention and the social and motivational advantages of group participation. Flotation aids are not used, enabling swimmers to develop their own balance and control in the water by learning to manage and respond to instability. We sometimes use flotation devices during our sessions at Catrin’s Penguins, we always promote the swimmer to explore their own balance and control.
Within therapeutic settings, aquatic therapists can apply the Halliwick Concept and its Ten Point Programme to promote physical well-being and improve body structure and function. This approach supports motor learning and the development of functional independence.
At the core of this holistic approach is the individual’s quality of life, which aligns closely with the biopsychosocial model of health outlined in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) (WHO, 2001). The Halliwick Concept’s emphasis on participation in aquatic activities, independent movement in water, and swimming fits well within this framework. It also fits perfectly with Therapies Unite’s ethos!
Therapists can use the structured Halliwick approach to address specific limitations, with focused attention on areas such as movement (including range, coordination, and motor planning), strength, stamina, respiratory capacity, oral control, and overall fitness. The aquatic environment also provides valuable opportunities for sensory integration.
In addition to physical benefits, Halliwick sessions—particularly those delivered in group settings—support the development of social skills, communication, learning ability, psychological well-being, and self-esteem; we love to see this at Catrin’s Penguins!
Working within the aquatic environment introduces a unique context for developing movement and balance control strategies. The physical properties of water offer support and resistance that can enhance physical, emotional, and social functioning.
The Ten Point Programme specifically develops the individual’s ability to initiate and perform movements and activities that may be difficult to achieve on land. Practising movement in water encourages the development of new movement patterns and enhances understanding of motor learning, sensory processing, and cognitive concepts, while improving the organisation and control of movements required for daily living.
Overall, swimming plays a vital role in promoting health and well-being across the lifespan. As a therapeutic tool, it contributes significantly to the improvement and maintenance of physical, psychological, and social health. Catrin’s Penguins helps to promote this and we are so proud of the work we deliver.
Don’t forget to check our website and social channels for updates on everything else we’ve been up to, we have an exciting and busy 2026 ahead.
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