Blind people get into the “swim” of things at Huddersfield Sports Centre

Jun 11 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Blind people get into the “swim” of things at Huddersfield Sports Centre

BLIND and partially sighted people are getting into the “swim” of things in town.

A group organised by Better Future for the Blind is meeting every Monday afternoon for an hour’s swim at Huddersfield Sports Centre.

At the moment the classes are part of a pilot scheme, but co-ordinator Philip Carr hopes more people will get involved and they can make the classes a permanent fixture.

Philip, who is registered blind, said: “It’s all about building up confidence, having a bit of a splash and a lot of fun.

“It’s a light impact sort of way of exercising the muscles without having to do any major walking or lifting and it can be very sociable as well.

“Lots of the ladies start chatting away and they sometimes forget they’re even in the swimming pool.”

The group use the small pool at the centre so they can swim away from the crowds.

A fully-sighted volunteer is always on hand to provide assistance.

Philip, from Moldgreen, said: “One woman can hardly see at all and everyone is either blind or partially-sighted.

“So it is a lot more convenient for us to be in the small pool than going swimming in a public pool where it’s more hectic and there’s kids banging into them.

“We guide them to the pool and once they get in they can have a bit of a splash about and do a width.

“It’s just a case of making sure they don’t bump into each other and watching out for any other safety aspects.”

Philip said the swimmers were gaining strength and confidence.