Swimming

Swimming is an ideal competitive sport for individuals who are blind or vision-impaired and require zero to minimal adaptations.You can view our latest demo swim video Click Swim Here.

Swimming preferences

In common with the general population most blind or vi swimmers prefer social/leisure swimming in indoor pools, open sea and lakes.Many join local open swim community groups or Swim Ireland clubs.

Competitive Swimming

For those who opt to compete, they may choose to participate in open and/or disability restricted events, governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) which incorporates the rules of FINA (international swimming federation).Depending on competition category swimmers may wear darkened blackout goggles. Blind/vision impaired swimmers may use a tactile ‘tap’ warning to the head or upper body to help indicate approach at end of each lap of the pool. Allowances may be made in the rules for blind/vision impaired swimmers who may swim too close to a lane line to execute technically correct arm strokes or touches in butterfly or breaststroke.

Recreational swimming

Recreational swimming sessions, specifically for blind / vision impaired swimmers take place weekly at Markievicz Pool and Belvedere College in Dublin.