A dip in the pool is more than playtime for 12-year-old Jared Smith.
Aquatic therapy is one of several types of treatment Jared gets regularly for his cerebral palsy.
"Jared can’t really jump, but in the water he can and just seems to enjoy things that he otherwise can’t do, it’s wonderful," said Jared’s mother, Marie.
Jared’s sessions take place in the new United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay Therapy Pool.
The pool is used just for therapy and is available only to people with disabilities.
"A family with a child with special needs has difficulty taking their child to a public pool, so this gives them the opportunity to be able to work on their own skills. It also provides the family with instruction," said Physical Therapist Assistant, Becky Westney.
In the pool, Westney has access to a variety of specialized equipment that are made just for this type of therapy.
And something you won’t see at other pools is a hydraulic lift that helps children in and out of the pool safely.
Jared’s mother is thankful to have access to this pool and hopes it will help her son progress more.