After 2-years, 100+ sessions, and a steady stream of swimmers, it was a pleasure to celebrate the successes of our now completed Swimming For The Visually Impaired initiative with a handful of patrons for a catch up over lunch this past week.
Begun in response to a single member’s request, the sessions began in earnest in the late spring of 2023, thanks to funding from Energise Me and Sport England. Encompassing both family pool and lane swimming, the program springboarded a partnership with The Quays Swimming and Diving complex which went far beyond the poolside.
Accessibility audits, staff training, and a wider influx into the varied activities on offer opened the way for greater inclusion and diversity, something The Quays themselves strive for on a daily basis. As Karen, Contract Partnerships Manager at The Quays, puts it:
‘We were very happy to work with Southampton Sight, enabling us to make some adaptions so that the Quays was easier to navigate. Dog sitting was provided, which did cause some arguments over who got to dog sit! It was great for us to be able to provide an activity which isn’t always easy to access. The sessions have given people to confidence to come swimming regularly as they now know how to navigate the Quays.’
Members who hadn’t swum in decades regained the confidence to dip their toes back into the water, culminating in last year’s tremendous sponsored swim in recognition of Southampton Sight’s 125th anniversary.
And the swimming goes on. Although no longer helmed by us, our relationship with The Quays and their staff, armed with the training and knowledge gained over the project means our members can and will continue to take to the water … and the gym … and the aqua aerobics … not to mention the café … for years to come.
A BIG Thank You to all who helped make this initiative a swimming success.
Photo description: Swimmers Paul, Shevonne, Jenny and Tom standing in the pool at The Quays.
