TIPS FOR SWIMMING EQUIPMENT ADAPTATION

Just like in indoor or outdoor sports settings, thoughtful adaptations in aquatic environments are essential to ensure the inclusion, safety, and comfort of children with visual impairments (CWVI).

Swimming is a fantastic sport that offers both physical and mental health benefits for people with disabilities. When paired with adaptive equipment, it becomes even more accessible and empowering. These tools can enhance confidence, orientation, and independence, making swimming a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for CWVI of all ages.

Examples of Adaptive Equipment in Swimming Facilities

1. Lane Navigation Systems

They are a crucial tool for spatial orientation. Systems like Adaptap – a plastic device clamped onto a pool’s anti-wave line – help visually impaired children swim more confidently, straight, and fast.

This tactile feedback acts as a guiding rail, boosting both navigation and confidence.

2. Tapper

Regular swimming pools are already equipped with lane markers, which allow athletes to stop after swimming or help visually impaired children as visual guides. However, tappers are essential. A tapper is a person with a long foam stick, with a very soft tip at the end, that indicates when to turn or when approaching the end of the lane. The tapper must know the swimmers’ abilities very well to know the best time to tap the athlete. They must be an expert guide.

There are also navigation devices, which are very useful but not very common in schools. The easiest to find is one that produces an acoustic signal that helps swimmers realise when they are about to reach the end of the pool, giving them a greater sense of freedom in the water.

2. Sound Balls

These balls emit sound and are perfect for aqua games involving throwing or catching. They provide clear auditory cues, making the activity more interactive and fun for CWVI.

3. Adaptive Swimwear and Accessories

There is a wide variety of specially designed swimwear, flotation devices, and accessories that improve comfort and ease of movement in the water. Some include bright colors, textures, or added features to help children maintain orientation and confidence.

4. Pool Edge Indicators

Add textured rubber mats or raised tactile markers along the poolside. This enables children to feel the pool boundaries using their hands or feet, improving both safety and independence during movement and rest.

5. Bright and High-Contrast Gear

For children with partial vision, use vibrant, high-contrast swimming caps or goggles (e.g., neon yellow, bright orange, or deep blue). This enhances visibility for both the child and instructors, especially in busy or low-light pool environments.

By integrating simple yet effective adaptations, swimming can become a safe, inclusive, and joyful experience for all children, regardless of their level of vision. These tools empower children with visual impairments to develop swimming skills, confidence, and independence while also enjoying the many benefits of water-based exercise.