Adults with sight loss invited to open water swim

Researchers from the University of Brighton are to hold an inclusive open water swimming session to focus on making blue spaces, such as seas, lakes and pools, more accessible to people with sight loss.

The session will take place at Sea Lanes in Brighton on 11 June, starting at 10:30 BST.

Invitations for the event have been extended to all adults with visual impairments from across Sussex.

Researcher Sadie Rockliffe said: "Nature and wellness spaces are often designed with sight in mind – assuming visual appreciation as the main form of engagement. But many people, even sighted swimmers, close their eyes in the water."

Outdoor swimming is increasingly recognised for its health and wellbeing benefits, many blue spaces remain inaccessible to people with visual impairments, the university said.

It added that blue spaces are often designed with sightedness as the default.

This can overlook the importance of other senses – such as touch, sound, rhythm, and temperature – which are essential for many swimmers, with or without sight.

Ms Rockliffe added: "My research explores how blue spaces can be experienced through touch, sound, rhythm, and movement, but also through the materials and supports that make interdependence (the dependence of two or more people or things on each other) possible.

"It's not just about swimming – it's about creating space for people to explore and enjoy something many take for granted, in ways that feel welcoming, supported, and open to different ways of being."

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