The Adaptive Aquatics Program was developed in 1995 by Jim Beeson, an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Trainer since 1965. Jim has been instrumental in the revisions to the Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and Adapted Aquatics Instructor courses. Programs are conducted at an educational facility. Currently the program serves 85 students from the Larchmont Elementary School, Ottawa River Elementary School and  the Autism Academy of Learning and a year-round After School Program of 30. Most recently Jim has helped start a new program of Adaptive Aquatics at the Geary Family YMCA of Fostoria, which now serves 12 children.

 Children with Autism typically need an early and affective intervention process to aid in the development of skills in social settings and positive therapy to assist in the improvement of gross and fine motor skills. Through this program, many students improve their ability to interact and communicate more appropriately with others and to communicate their emotions.

 The warm water environment adds to the success of the child's performace in both swimming and social interactions. As their individual progress continues, we find the students begin to engage with other students and swimmers and basic swimming skills begin to emerge.