Swimming activities for individuals aged 14+ with a range of disabilities

"Inclusive Sport Peterborough is developing a swimming pathway that will hopefully enable many people with a long term health condition, physical, sensory or learning disability to take part is some form of swimming pool activity."

For further details contact Matt Taylor, Sports Development Officer, Vivacity Culture and Leisure
Email: matt.taylor@vivacity-peterborough.com
Tel: 01733 863783
Mob: 07984 633154
Twitter: @VCLDisSport

Friday Inclusive Swimming Vivacity.pdf by Peterborough and District Deaf Children's Society

Swimming instructors get sign language training thanks to swimmers efforts

Swimming and sports instructors from across Peterborough took part in the first BSL (British Sign Language) classes paid for by the efforts of two-heroic swimmers that swam 22-miles down the River Nene last week.

The sign language courses, which will get the instructors to the BSL Level 1 qualification, also include a sports module and deaf awareness training that will allow both deaf children and adults to access inclusive sports coaching and tuition in Peterborough. 

The classes are funded by the sponsorship money raised by Julie Longland and Lisa Ryan who completed a 22-mile swim, known as the Nene Channel Challenge, last week and have so far raised £1,700. They are still collecting donations. 

The courses are being delivered by tutor Nicki Sanders as part of an intensive course. Peterborough City Council's Leisure division, known as Vivacity, have allowed staff from leisure centres across the city the time off to attend the course with Hampton Leisure Centre being the only exception. 

Andy Palmer, Chairman of the Peterborough and District Deaf Association said: "Anyone who donated to the amazing swim in the last few weeks can now see their money being put to good use in training sports and swimming instructors to be deaf aware and learn sign language."

"This doesn't just benefit the members of PDDCS, but all deaf children and adults who use leisure facilities in Peterborough and is a continuation of the strong focus PDDCS has given deaf sports over the years. 

"I would like to thank everyone involved in making this happen. Much work from Amy Casselden and Teresa Quail on our committee is devoted to deaf-friendly swimming and of course to Lisa and Julie who completed that quite incredible swim last week. Massive thanks also to Carl of Bannatyne's Gym in Werrington for giving us free use of the room."

You can still donate to the Nene Channel Challenge here 

Incredible 22-mile swimming challenge for sign language lessons completed

It was pitch black and 10pm when the Nene Channel Challenge came to an end. Greeted by jubilant friends, family and supporters, Julie Longland and Lisa Ryan emerged from the chilly river after a swim that had covered 22-miles in 16 hours.

The challenge is the equivalent of swimming the English Channel between Dover and Calais and took Julie and Lisa along the winding course of the Nene from Oundle in Northamptonshire to Peterborough's Ferry Meadow's Park and the iconic Milton Ferry Bridge. 

It was an incredible effort which left everyone who witnessed it humbled and in awe of the pure physical and psychological mettle of the courageous swimmers. The total raised so far, including gift aid, is £669 of a target of £2,000. The money raised will be used to teach sports and swimming instructors sign language to make swimming classes accessible to deaf children. If you haven't donated but would like to acknowledge their impressive feat and the noble cause it supports, you can donate here.

Lisa and Julie are both swimming instructors who currently help deliver the PDDCS Deaf-friendly swimming sessions and were presented with a certificate at the end of the swim by PDDCS Chairman, Andy Palmer.

Andy said: "It's hard to put into words just how incredible this challenge was. Lisa and Julie impressed us all with the pure dedication, physical and mental strength that they have. I'm still in wonder at what they achieved and grateful, on behalf of all the children who access our deaf-friendly swimming lessons, they chose to further support our cause."

See some pictures of the day below:

Adrian Fisher, parent of Jack who visits the deaf-friendly sessions, joins in for a mile or so

Julie and Lisa slice through the Nene's waters

The challenge started at 6:30am

There are some locks along the River, at each one, the swimmers had to climb out and start again with the occasional cookie break. 

Still smiling for the cameras

Jack Fisher watches his swimming teachers lead by example

Half-way and already further than either had ever swum before

One arm after the other .. for sixteen hours

The misty morning departure from Upper Barnwell near Oundle and the promise of an incredible day ahead

The swimmers emerge from the inky-black and chilly river to a rapturous welcome

Andy Palmer, PDDCS Chairman, presents Julie and Lisa with a certificate of appreciation

The certificates of appreciation

The donation page is still open. If you think this feat of extreme mental and physical challenge and the cause of providing accessible swimming lessons for deaf children deserves acknowledgement in the form of a donation, please click here. 

Watch: Nene Channel Challenge Swimmers emerge from 16-hour swimming challenge

They did it! Our swimming heroes from the Nene Channel Challenge, Julie and Lisa, emerge from the water at 10pm tonight after 16 hours of swimming down the River Nene to Peterborough. They were met by friends, family and a barbecue.



PDDCS would like to extend a massive thank you to Lisa and Julie. It was an astonishing challenge and we are humbled by your dedication and grateful for your contribution to deaf swimming in our area. 

Read more about the Nene Channel Challenge or donate here
Read more about our swimming courses for deaf children

Aquacase

Following on from the swimming posts. Readers might wish to learn about Advanced Bionics Aquacase.

The company say 'The AquaCase accessory is designed for use with the swimmable AquaMic™, AB’s unique, IP 68-rated microphone. The AquaMic is 100% waterproof and does not require a bag or enclosure that significantly reduces sound quality. Delivering the industry’s only headpiece-integrated microphone, AB allows Naída CI and Neptune™ recipients to wear the processor off the ear in the preferred location for any activity and still have optimal sound quality for outstanding hearing!'

PDDCS deaf friendly swimming: Round 2

PDDCS babies, children and young people have been enjoying the deaf-friendly swimming sessions delivered by Lisa, swimming instructor, and Vivacity.












The next ten week block starts on 1st May at the regional pool in Peterborough each Thursday:
age 0-3: 4.30-5pm
age 3-5 5-5.30pm
age 5-19 5.30-6pm

Thanks to funding support from Vivacity, the ten week course is only £30.

For further details phone or text Amy 07816911744.

NDCS have recently created various resources to support families accessing deaf-friendly swimming.