Hi,

In the outside world many VIPs swim in public pools, either independently or with a friend. Swimming pools do not ban VI swimmers from attending public sessions: although they could if there was a significant risk but they would have to establish that there was a genuine risk and not make assumptions.

Concerning swimming lengths near the side of the pool: this would be up to the individual to request and discuss with the pool. Like any other individual, this student might not wish to swim lengths. I know VIPs who go to general swimming sessions, who attend lane swimming sessions and those who prefer to attend sessions reserved for disabled swimmers.

In my opinion. it is up to the friend to decide that they are happy to accompany the student: this is something that often happens in the outside world and is up to the individuals as it is their choice and friends do go swimming together! I am not sure that the Disability Service has to be involved at all as this is a social arrangement and not part of the student's studies.

I'm giving my opinion here as an ex teacher of PE with VI children and as someone who has personally "snorkelled with seals" in open water with a VIP (totally blind)!


ATB

Claire

-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Emily Colyer
Sent: 10 November 2009 11:22
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Use of Swimming Pool

Dear Colleagues

We have received a request from a registered blind student about use of the
swimming pool.

The student wishes to use the swimming pool with a friend and is not keen
having a support worker supporting.

The student has a guide dog but says she should be able to leave the dog in
her accommodation as she will not be gone for that long.

We have highlighted areas of concern to be addressed:

- Learning the route to and from the swimming pool.
- Orientation in the changing rooms, swimming pool area, and pool itself.
- Alerting the lifeguards.

In addition

- Should we request that the student be able swim their lengths along the
wall of the pool for orientation reasons?
- Is it too much responsibility for the friend to be taking them, and what
happens if the friend has to leave suddenly?

We are interested to know if people have had similar experiences and how
they dealt with them?

Look forward to reading your responses.

Many thanks
Emily



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