They never come to shore. They are always aware, and always moving. Understanding this, it is difficult to imagine the tragedy of life in captivity for these ocean creatures. SWTD advocates claim educational, recreational, and therapeutic motivations and benefits. Sessions last a half-hour on average and many programs offer videotaped documentation of the experience.
Most programs allow swimmers as young as ten years of age to participate.
The United States now has 18 SWTD facilities, some of which are in dedicated SWTD facilities while others are associated with traditional dolphin show exhibits in marine parks and aquariums. However, there is no evidence that interacting with dolphins has any greater therapeutic effect than interacting with domesticated animals, such as puppies, kittens, or farm animals. There is no need to imprison wildlife to benefit humans. SWTD programs overseas are an even greater problem, because regulation is often absent and conditions poor. In some facilities, pregnant females have been mistreated.