“Unforgettable pools” adapted to people with cognitive impairment

The Fluidra Foundation, Fluidra and the Pasqual Maragall Foundation have formalized a strategic alliance to launch “Unforgettable Pools”, a pioneering study with a double ambition: to create a reference model that guarantees that the pools (its spaces, activities and relational dynamics) take into account the needs of people with cognitive impairmentand deepen the knowledge about the benefits of aquatic physical activity for these groups.

The initiative contemplates a comprehensive transformation of the swimming pools based on four areas of action: training of professionalswhich will reach nearly 200 workers—including monitors, lifeguards, and reception staff—to recognize signs of cognitive impairment and communicate appropriately; the adaptation of aquatic activities, with adjusted sessions and schedules to the needs of these groups; the improvement of physical spaces, reinforce the cognitive accessibility of the facilities; and connecting with the community support network to make it easier for people who can benefit from these activities to access them.

The initiative will be developed in Cataloniawhere it will be progressively implemented in between 8 and 10 pilot pools. Based on this experience, the project will generate practical tools, such as adaptation guides, training for professionals and action protocols, which will allow the model to be replicated in other facilities. Thanks to the experience of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation in the field of Alzheimer’s and the international presence of Fluidra in more than 47 countries, the objective is that this model can be transferred and adapted to aquatic facilities around the worldwith the aim of transforming swimming pools into increasingly inclusive, healthy and fully connected spaces with their community.

Cristina Maragall, president of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, declares that “at the Foundation We work to promote a more inclusive society, which takes into account the needs of people with cognitive impairment and encourages their participation full in community life. This alliance with Fluidra and the Fundació Fluidra represents a very valuable step in this direction, since it will allow us to promote a pioneering project to adapt swimming pools and their dynamics to the needs of these groups. transforming them into more accessible spaces for their physical, cognitive and social well-being. In addition, this initiative will help us generate knowledge and practical tools that will serve as a reference to move towards more inclusive environments that are connected to people.”

For Xavi Servat, director of the Fluidra Foundation: “this collaboration allows us to advance in our commitment to putting water and aquatic spaces at the service of people’s well-being. Through initiatives such as Piscinas Inolvidables we want to explore how swimming pools can also become more inclusive environments adapted to the needs of people with cognitive impairmentcontributing to improving their quality of life and that of their families.”

An idea shared by David Tapias, Director of Innovation at Fluidra, who adds that “this project It will allow us to generate knowledge and advance in the design of swimming pools that increasingly take into account the needs of people with cognitive impairment. At Fluidra we promote the concept of Positive Poola vision that understands the pool as a space that generates positive impact on health, well-being and social cohesion. “Innovation also consists of rethinking how our environments can actively contribute to physical activity, cognitive stimulation and the socialization of groups with specific needs, putting technology and design at the service of people.”

Fluidra and Fundació Fluidra, new patrons of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation

Fluidra, a global leader in equipment and connected solutions in the pool and wellness sector, and Fundació Fluidra, linked to the Fluidra group, join the Patronage Council of the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, reinforcing support for research into Alzheimer’s and improving the quality of life of people with cognitive impairment.

With this new alliance, the Pasqual Maragall Foundation continues to expand its Patronage Council and reinforce its commitment to a more inclusive society and a future without Alzheimer’s.