BREAKING BARRIERS IN THE POOL

A new programme is supporting visually impaired swimmers at the London Aquatics Centre

Inclusive practices help remove barriers to participation and widen access to swimming and water safety education One example of this can be seen at the London Aquatics Centre, where a growing community of visually impaired swimmers are building confidence, independence and a genuine enjoyment of the water through a dedicated sensory swimming initiative Delivered by a team of swimming teachers, led by Louise Wray, Swim Manager at Everyone Active – which operates the aquatics centre and is a member of the Swimming Alliance – the sessions have been designed to create a supportive, structured environment where participants feel comfortable from the moment they arrive Swimmers are met at reception, guided around the pool to help build a sense of space and familiarity, and supported in the water using clear, precise verbal instruction rather than visual demonstration

Learning how to swim is possible, and my friends and I are living proof of this

HUGE IMPACT

The approach is simple but highly effective, giving each participant the confidence to progress at their own pace

For Daniel, one of the programme’s first participants, the impact has been significant “My confidence in the water has increased massively,” he said “Just putting my head under used to feel impossible - now I can swim short distances on my back without a float The instructors are supportive, patient and even bring humour to the lessons, which makes learning enjoyable”

What started as a small trial session with Daniel and one other participant has since grown into a regular group of around 10 swimmers, highlighting both the demand for accessible provision and the value of getting the approach right

“I want others to know this is possible,” Daniel added “For me the question isn’t ‘can it bedone’ - it’s ‘how can it be done’ At the London Aquatics Centre, everything has been thought through, and that makes all the difference

“Learning how to swim is possible, and my friends and I are living proof of this I’d encourage any visually impaired person to come and join the class and see what’s possible”

Chris Wells, Contract Manager at the London Aquatics Centre, said “Daniel’s journey reflects what can be achieved when inclusive practice is prioritised His story shows what can be achieved when barriers are removed

“We want people with disabilities to know they are welcome here, and that with the right support, they can be active and enjoy the health and social benefits of swimming”

By combining practical adaptations with a supportive teaching approach, the team at the London Aquatics Centre is not only helping people learn to swim but also demonstrating what inclusive provision can look like in practice

BEST PRACTICE

Across the UK, organisations within the Swimming Alliance are continuing to explore ways to make aquatics more accessible, inclusive and representative of the communities they serve By sharing examples of positive practice, the Alliance hopes to encourage wider collaboration, innovation and learning across the sector, helping more people access the physical, social and wellbeing benefits that swimming can provide

The Swimming Alliance brings together national governing bodies, operators, charities, educators and community organisations to advocate for greater equity, sustainability and strategic investment in swimming and water safety education Through collaborative working groups focused on priorities including inclusion, workforce development and school swimming, the Alliance is helping create a more connected and evidence-led approach to sector challenges Learn more here https//theswimmingallianceorg/