Swimming Opens New Possibilities For The Visually Impaired

By Norhidayyu Zainal

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Siti Sara Ilias was keen to learn how to swim, but vision impairment caused by optic nerve damage resulting from tuberculous meningitis when she was 18 left her reluctant to venture into the water.

However, her dream of mastering the skill has now become a reality through ‘Splash of Confidence’, a programme organised by Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia's (UPNM) Defence Fitness Academy in collaboration with the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB). The programme was established in 2024 to help the visually impaired develop basic swimming skills in a supportive environment.

Siti Sara, 31, who is pursuing an office management course at MAB's Gurney Training Centre in Brickfields here, said the programme helped her overcome a deep-seated fear of water.

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“I always wanted to learn how to swim, but I never had the opportunity because there wasn't a suitable platform available. I used to be terrified of drowning whenever I was in the water, but now I can float and swim, which has greatly boosted my confidence,” she told Bernama after participating in the ‘Splash of Confidence 3.0: 75 Waves of Courage’ programme here recently.

A similar determination was displayed by Muhammad Rushaidi Muhammad Fuad, 20, who travelled from Batu Pahat, Johor, to participate in the programme.

The Form Six student, who has a category B2 visual impairment, said he had never received formal swimming lessons before and viewed the programme as a valuable opportunity to learn proper swimming techniques.

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“The biggest challenge was learning breathing techniques and building my confidence. But with the guidance of the facilitators, I am becoming much more confident in the water,” he said.

Siti Sarah and Muhammad Rushaidi were among 40 visually impaired participants and 35 facilitators who participated in the recent ‘Splash of Confidence 3.0: 75 Waves of Courage’ programme. They also made history by setting a Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) entry for the ‘Most Participants in an Inclusive Swimming Programme’. 

‘Splash of Confidence’ programme adviser Dr Noor Hamzani Farizan said participation had grown significantly this year compared with the previous two editions, reflecting rising confidence and interest among visually impaired individuals in aquatic activities.

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“In the first edition (of the ‘Splash of Confidence’ programme), we focused on basic swimming skills before introducing water safety elements in the second edition to prepare participants to respond appropriately during emergencies in the water.

“For this third edition, we wanted to further strengthen participants' confidence in engaging in water-based activities by expanding their swimming skills while also attempting an MBOR record, despite their visual limitations,” she said.

Noor Hamzani stressed that knowing how to swim alone does not guarantee protection from drowning, but a strong understanding of water safety principles can significantly reduce risks and prevent accidents.

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One of the programme's most significant achievements is the development of Malaysia's first Braille water safety module, created from data and experiences gathered throughout the programme's three-year journey.

The module was developed to expand access to water safety education for the visually impaired community.

According to Noor Hamzani, it contains guidance on basic swimming techniques and water safety practices specially adapted through modified auditory methods, including the use of whistles, instructors' voices and precise verbal instructions, as well as safe physical guidance to help participants overcome fear in the water.

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“The module has been translated into Braille so that visually impaired instructors themselves can help share and spread this knowledge among their peers,” he said, adding that there are plans to expand the programme to the wider public in the future.

Meanwhile, MAB chief executive officer Datuk George Thomas said the Braille water safety module would serve as a key reference for training sessions and awareness activities involving the visually impaired community.

George said water safety deserves special attention to ensure visually impaired individuals can enjoy aquatic activities and water sports in a safe environment.

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“Many people still believe that those with visual impairments are unable to participate in sports and recreational activities like everyone else.

“Sport is not only for able-bodied individuals; it is for persons with disabilities as well. When people think about someone who cannot see, they often assume that person is incapable of doing much. In reality, they possess the same potential and abilities as anyone else,” he said.

He added that the achievements of Malaysia's para athletes on the international stage have repeatedly demonstrated that persons with disabilities are capable of bringing honour to the nation through sports.

-- BERNAMA