Lack of vision does not have to prevent you or someone you know from enjoying the fun and health benefits of swimming. People with visual impairments not only swim, but many also compete in swimming events at the local, national and even international level. Swimming for the blind is part of the Paralympics. All it takes to succeed is the willingness to learn and a few simple adaptations.
Description
Blind swimmers use the same techniques and strokes to swim as sighted people. In competition, swimmers participate in three classes based on vision level. These range from B1, which means total blindness, to B3. The B3 category takes in swimmers who have some useful vision and generally can navigate the pool without adaptations. In competition, B1 and B2 swimmers rely on assistance from "tappers," assistants who signal swimmers when they are approaching the end of the pool and must execute a turn. For training and recreational swimming, there are additional adaptations available so the blind swimmer can stay aware of her location in the pool.
Instruction
Learning to swim with a visual impairment does require some adjustments. Instructors should get in the water to demonstrate strokes by physically manipulating the swimmer's limbs. Similar instruction on a one-on-one basis is necessary to teach turns and starts. As a swimmer gains skill, he should learn to count strokes as an aid to staying oriented in the pool and estimating distance from the pool ends. For blind swimmers who choose to participate in competitive swimming, learning circle swimming is essential. Circle swimming is simply training with more than one swimmer in a lane. Circle swimming allows blind swimmers to practice with sighted swimmers. You can locate swim clubs that can accommodate blind swimmers on the USA Swimming website or through the YMCA.
Tapping
A tapper is a simple device consisting of a pole or cane with foam or a tennis ball attached to the end. A helper, also referred to as a tapper, positions herself at the end of the pool. As a blind swimmer nears the end of the pool, the tapper strikes the swimmer's body lightly as a warning. Tapping requires practice so the tap is delivered with proper timing. It's best if a tapper works consistently with a particular swimmer. Tapping is the only accommodation allowed in official swimming competitions for B1 and B2 swimmers.
Other Adaptations
For training or swimming as exercise, there are accommodations besides tappers that assist blind swimmers. Brightly colored lane markers are helpful for those swimmers who have a little useful vision. A sprinkler often is substituted for a tapper to mark the ends of lanes. An ordinary lawn sprinkler is attached to one piece of a hinged board and placed in the water. The other part of the board rests on the side of the pool and is anchored or weighted to keep it in place. Once the sprinkler is properly adjusted, the spray it produces serves to notify an approaching blind swimmer the wall is near.
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