Jenny Robinson LEI 4724

Activity Title: Swimming with Dolphins in the Wild

Source: Water Planet. (n.d.). Retrieved February 23, 2016, from
http://www.waterplanetusa.com/swim-with-the-dolphins-tours-in-panama-city-beachguidelines/
Equipment: Bathing suit or other water wear, snorkel, fins, mask and PFD if needed. A
boat, pontoon is most appropriate, and captain to operate the boat. (The tour operator will
have necessary equipment for rental if needed.) Transportation to and from the beach is
required.
Activity Description: The activity begins before you get into the water. A brief education
about dolphins and their habitat will be presented. This will include anatomy,
environment, sonar and echolocation, social structure, courtship, mating and social
structure. It is important to remember that you are a guest in their environment and you
will be encountering wild animals. It is illegal to touch or feed wild dolphins. Safety and
etiquette measures will be discussed at length. Once the boat is anchored, you may swim
around the area of the boat. Do not chase or pursue the dolphinsit is a violation of the
Marine Mammal Protection Act to follow closer than 50 yards. A dive flag will be put out
whenever anyone is in the water. Be playful and active in a non-aggressive way by
diving, twisting, spiraling and making unusual sounds underwater. This can attract the
curiosity of the dolphins. Spend as much time underwater as possible as this is where you
will encounter the dolphins. Swim in a fluid and graceful style avoiding using your hands
as much as possible. Dolphins sometimes avoid people who wave their arms in front of
them. Try swimming with a friend and playing underwater games like follow the leader.
This can also attract the curiosity of the dolphins, as they are social creatures. Do not
allow children to swim alone with dolphins and keep them close. Respect all interactions
and remember dolphins must initiate any interaction and they have the right to terminate
it.
Leadership Considerations: The CTRS leader of this activity should be able to swim
and be certified in first aid and water safety. The CTRS should have a good relationship
with the tour company. The CTRS should be familiar with basic boat safety and
emergency protocols. The leader should be certified in AAT and lifeguard certified or
have a co-leader with these certifications help with the group. All leaders and co-leaders
should be proficient swimmers. The leader should be familiar with the area and have
experience with dolphins in the wild as well as be educated on their behavior. They
should be familiar with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other local laws
regarding habitat and wildlife. The leader should check the weather before the activity as
well as current water conditions. The ratio of leader to participant should be at least 1:6 or
more depending on age and needs of participants.
Adaptations: Participants that have had a CVA: Cerebrovascular accidents are more
commonly known as a stroke and can affect any age. CVAs are caused by decreased

blood flow to the brain due to a blockage or bleeding. The resulting lack of oxygen
causes brain cells to die. The effects of a CVA vary and can include numbness, tingling,
weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. The person may have trouble walking,
swallowing, talking or understanding. McKinney, Dustin & Wolf (2001) remark that
water has a therapeutic effect on people such as immersion in water allowing those with
physical disability freedom of movement. Researchers have found that dolphin assisted
therapy reduces stress, increases relaxation, boost T-cells, enhances recovery and reduces
pain and depression (McKinney, et al., 2001). For people that have experienced a CVA,
this can be an important adjunct to the healing processes. In addition, McKinney, et al.
(2001) points out that caregivers frequently forget to have fun with their children and
interacting with dolphins in conjunction with their children facilitates new ways to grow,
learn and motivate. It is a rewarding recreation experience for the participant and their
caregiver (McKinney, et al., 2001). Other adaptations include using flotation devices and
having an aide with the participant for additional physical support. In addition, there are
companies that use captive dolphins, which may be more appropriate for certain
circumstances. Dilts, Trompisch & Bergquist, (2011) found that dolphin assisted therapy
increased attention spans, improved interactive and play behaviors and the treatment
elicits simultaneously a stimulating and relaxing element.
Participants with Autism Spectrum Disorder: ASD is characterized by persistent
deficits in social communication and social interaction; restricted repetitive patterns of
behavior interests or activities and symptoms must be present in the early developmental
period and cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational or other
functioning (Autism Spectrum Disorder, n.d.). McKinney, Dustin & Wolf (2001) assert,
water provides a constant surrounding pressure that is soothing to sensitive nerve
endings for people who are tactilely defensive. This is beneficial to those with ASD. To
adapt the program to the needs of participants with ASD, Humphries (2003) recommends
using the dolphins to encourage children to engage in desired responses in their
individual therapy program. This includes using captive dolphins and a dolphin trainer to
first have an on-dock orientation and having the child touch or play with the dolphin from
the dock or give hand signals to elicit specific dolphin behaviors (Humphries, 2003).
After the orientation, individuals can interact with the dolphin in the water by touching,
kissing, taking a short ride holding onto the dolphins dorsal fin or dancing with the
dolphin as reinforcement to the task the child and therapist are working on (Humphries,
2003). The dolphin becomes a powerful motivator for the participant.
Adaptations References:
Autism Spectrum Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2016, from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disordersasd/index.shtml
Dilts, R., Trompisch, N., & Bergquist, T. M. (2011). Dolphin-Assisted Therapy for
Children With Special Needs: A Pilot Study. Journal of Creativity in Mental
Health, 6(1), 56-68.

Humphries, T. L. (2003). Effectiveness of Dolphin-Assisted Therapy as a Behavioral

Intervention for Young Children with Disablities. Bridges, 1(6). Retrieved
February 23, 2016.
McKinney, A., Dustin, D., & Wolff, R. (2001). The Promise of Dolphin-Assisted
Therapy. Parks & Recreation, 36(5), 46. Retrieved February 23, 2016.