By Casey Neill
A Dandenong pool has celebrated one year of getting blind and visually impaired children into the water.
“These children came to us as nervous, raw beginners and after a very rewarding year they have transformed into independent swimmers,” North Lodge Swimming Academy’s Leanne Byron said.
“They are performing fantastic torpedos and are now developing freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke with very good technique.”
The head coach and managing director said the swimmers and instructors involved had plenty of fun, too.
“There are always smiles and laughter all around during our swimming sessions,” Ms Byron said.
“We have seen a huge boost in their self-confidence and vibrant personalities.
“Each and every one of us has formed a very special bond.”
The pool partnered with Rotary Club of Dandenong South East last August to deliver the weekly voluntary swimming lessons, individualised for each child.
Berwick school Insight Education Centre for the Blind and Vision Impaired and Blind Sports Victoria also support the project.
“Together we have achieved so much. It’s exciting to think about what we will achieve over next year,” Ms Byron said.
They celebrated the milestone at the pool on Saturday 27 August.
“Many thanks to the Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Dandenong South East for putting on the barbecue, which was enjoyed by all the hungry swimmers and their families,” she said.
Ms Byron hopes to grow the program by introducing participants of all ages – including adults – to the aquatic environment who might not otherwise have the opportunity to take part in a swimming program.
After the program’s first session, Ms Byron said the children had other challenges in addition to their vision problems, including autism, fragile X syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“These children gave us such joy – they are caring little souls, full of life, inquisitive, at times cheeky and extremely courageous,” she said.
Water-based activities help visually-impaired people to learn about body image and space by using concrete reference points such as the water level and the side of the pool.
The program also provides water safety skills, relaxation, social interaction, exercise and improved concentration, improves participants’ mindsets and promotes better quality sleep.
On its Facebook page, Insight thanked North Lodge, the Rotarians, Maurice Gleeson and Blind Sports Victoria for making the program possible “let alone celebrating our first anniversary of its inception”.
“This program is a powerful example of the importance of providing children who are blind and vision impaired here in Victoria with access to explicit teaching and educational programs that are adapted for them to ensure they have every chance of achieving an independent and successful life now and into the future,” the post said.
“They deserve every minute of it and more…”
Call North Lodge Swimming Academy on 9792 5461 for more information.
Rotary Club of Dandenong South East meets at the Dandenong Club each Tuesday at 6pm for a 6.30pm start. Visit www.Facebook.com/RotaryDandenongSouthEast to get in touch.
