Caregiver for C-6, C-7 incomplete seeks swimming pool advice

[StGeorge703]

Hello from the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia.
My name is William and I care for a 65 year-old gentleman who incurred a SCI in 1961.
He lives a short distance from a public pool and is interested in making use of it this month and next.
The pool does not have a ramp or a dedicated hoist.
Does anyone have any advice about whether this is a good idea , and if it is feasible, some further advice about the technique(s)?
I'm looking forward to your responses. Thank you very much for any help you may be able to provide

[chrisarnold]

Hi. Before my injury I worked part time at a UK leisure centre, where apart from minimal pay I could use all the facilities free. There they had a special hoist.

You will know whether your friend needs buoyancy aids or not. However, the nature of the injury suggests that he will need assistants who will get wet as well! One item to help could be what I have used to get in a canoe. This is basically a flat sheet of canvas which is rectangular, with a handle at each corner. If your friend could be laid on this, one person takes each corner, the two "feet enders" are already in the water, and those at the head lift and lower (carefully using legs and NOT the back) the other end into the pool. It sounds bizarre, but may work. To be really feasible, it depends on just how "incomplete" the injury is.

Good luck,

Chris