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OPERATION SWIM

Overview
The goal of Operation Swim is to design a floatation device that can assist 14 year-old Charlie while he is swimming. Charlie has cerebral palsy from the waist down, so a floatation device made specifically for him would provide him the support he needs to enjoy time swimming in the pool. The team is also in the process of designing an entry & egress device to allow Charlie to transfer from his wheelchair into the floatation device with the use of one aid.

Spring 2020
Operation Swim was the newest addition of projects for VETS in the Spring 2020 semester.  Members of Operation Row transitioned to Operation Swim towards the start of the Spring 2020 semester and are currently in the detailed design phase of their project.

Fall 2020
Swim has made tremendous progress this semester. After dividing themselves into two groups, they have been able to nearly complete two products. First is an entry and exit wheelchair to assist Charlie into and out of the pool. Their other subgroup has created a flotation device that will help an aide assist Charlie while he swims. After some more testing in the spring semester, they hope to deliver both products.

Spring 2021
Recently the Swim team has gained new members and with all this support, they have been able to split into two divisions. Division Wheelchair is continuing work on the entry/egress wheelchair while division float continues with their life vest. 

Fall 2021
Division Wheelchair came close a finished concept, but ultimately discovered their product was too rough. They also realized some issues to be addressed. The Float division brought the life vest almost to delivery, and began conceptualization and prototyping on another flotation device to work in tandem with the two already existing, this one to address keeping feet off the ground.

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Spring 2022

Division Wheelchair constructed and delivered a more precise design that addressed the issues found at the end of last semester. Division Float has delivered the life vest and began conceptualization of a floatation chair to keep feet off of the pool floor.

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