Children of all abilities took to the water off of Fishermen’s Beach Wednesday for stand up paddleboarding lessons offered through a collaboration between Swampscott Recreation Department and Northeast Arc.

Northeast Arc is an organization that provides support for people with disabilities through a wide range of services, including hosting inclusive events.

The Recreation Department and Northeast Arc have teamed up before to put on numerous events in the Clarke Elementary School gymnasium.

“Any water activity, no matter who you are, is such a great confidence builder,” said Swampscott Recreation Director Charlotte Daher de Garcia.

Daher de Garcia had heard of a similar program in Gloucester, and had been thinking about hosting paddleboarding classes ever since the collaboration with Northeast Arc began.

Participating children, along with their parents or lifeguards, learned how to safely balance on the paddleboards before making their way deeper and deeper into the water.

On the shore, arts and crafts activities were offered as well.

“Our stand up paddleboard program is incredible, and we wanted to make sure everyone could participate no matter their ability,” said Daher de Garcia.

The partnership between the town and Northeast Arc has been “wonderful” according to Daher de Garcia.

“They always back us up and bring expertise,” she said.

Northeast Arc Recreation Director Dayna Rybicki said the event allows children to enjoy summer in a different way than they normally do.

“Being able to experience the water, getting in there and being fully exposed to it…Exposure to different activities is always really important for these folks,” said Rybicki.