A Splash of Fun for Students with Special Needs

Every Thursday at 9:45 a.m., the Sacramento Central YMCA hosts what may be the most unique pool party in the region. And probably the most exuberant.

It’s the Special Needs Aquatics Program, known as SNAP, a 60-minute class offered in collaboration with the Sacramento City Unified School District. The participants are young Sacramentans with disabilities, many of them on the autism spectrum, as well as others with cerebral palsy and other physical and developmental limitations.

SNAP is now in its 25th year, thanks to generous support from the YMCA community. Its objectives are simple but important.

Number one is to teach at-risk kids lifesaving water safety skills. The program also is designed to instill confidence, offer socialization and help students improve motor skills. Plus, it’s just plain fun. The class often ends with a beach ball bouncing high in the air, batted back and forth amid squeals, laughs and splashes.

“This is an opportunity kids wouldn’t normally have to feel good in the water and learn to be safe,” said YMCA volunteer Patti Watters. A retired occupational therapist, Watters was swimming laps a dozen years ago and “saw these kids having a great time, and I thought, ‘That’s right up my alley!’ I volunteered. It’s great to see them progress.”

On a recent Thursday, happy shouts echoed off the walls as 20 Luther Burbank High School students and a half dozen school district physical education instructors practiced and played in the water. Some staffers jumped up and down with students, counting to three before ducking their heads under water. Watters guided kids back and forth on kickboards. Another staffer cradled a student in his arms, helping the young man relax on his back in the water. At the pool steps, two smiling pool aides encouraged an apprehensive teen to enter the pool, very slowly, one cautious step at a time.

Among the group was Jerry, a 14-year-old, who had been eager to get to the YMCA from the moment he awoke that day. His mom texted Burbank teacher and autism education planner Aaron McClatchy at 6:45 a.m. to let him know a bundle of eager energy was headed his way that morning. “He’s so excited!" she texted.

Jerry floated hand in hand with an instructor in the deep end, wearing a flotation belt. Afterward, his teacher asked Jerry how it went. “Good!” Jerry said. What did he like best about that morning’s session? “The belt!” he said. “(And) the noodle!”

For some, like 16-year-old Gabriel, who is nonverbal and suffers from anxiety, the pool is a place to find inner calm. According to his mother, Samantha Traverso, Gabriel likes the feel of water pressure on his body. It’s soothing. “He’ll come home and be calmer,” she explained. “His behavior is better.”

“We really appreciate this program,” Samantha said. “Gaby loves it. This is an awesome opportunity for him thanks to the school district and the YMCA.”

The YMCA of Superior California is pleased to be able to host the weekly SNAP Program thanks to generous community donors. It’s an endeavor that truly reflects our core values. We serve a diverse community and believe inclusivity is important. We are dedicated to providing all our youth with opportunities to grow in a supportive environment.

Join us in our effort to make life safer, richer and happier for youth like Gaby and Jerry, and for their families by making a donation today. Your support will help fund this program throughout 2026. 

Donate to the Special Needs Aquatics Program here!