First water safety programme launched in Singapore for people with disabilities
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Teenager Chan Tian Qiang, 17, who has cerebral palsy, at the launch of Singapore's first water safety programme for people with disabilities on Oct 4.
ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
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- OCBC and SDSC launched SwimTogether, Singapore's first water safety programme for people with disabilities, addressing a gap in structured swimming programmes for these individuals.
- OCBC donates $70,000 for 800 free lessons for 100 participants over 12 months, covering coaches, equipment, and accessible facilities.
- Lessons focus on water safety and basic skills, using specialised equipment and heated pools, with SDSC identifying suitable participants.
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SINGAPORE – People with disabilities can soon join free water safety lessons under a new initiative that aims to make swimming more accessible.
Singapore’s first such programme was launched on Oct 4 by OCBC Bank and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), Singapore’s national sports body for people with disabilities.
A total of 800 free lessons will be made available for 100 people with disabilities across 12 months, under the OCBC-SDSC SwimTogether programme.
Each participant will undergo eight swimming lessons over a three-month period. Each class will consist of two to five students.
OCBC said in a statement that there is a lack of structured foundational swimming programmes for those with disabilities, largely due to the high cost of hiring certified coaches, lack of suitable equipment and limited accessible sports facilities. The transportation arrangement can also be costly.
The bank will donate $70,000 to engage certified coaches, procure specialised equipment, and book suitable venues, including heated pools and facilities with accessible entry points.
Classes will focus on water safety, which includes water confidence and basic swimming skills. The coaches are also trained to identify students’ needs based on their varying levels of disability.
Specialised swimming devices will be available, including weighted swim floats and adaptive life jackets that can be used by participants with low muscle tone and muscular dystrophy.
For those with cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, classes are conducted in heated pools as swimming in non-heated pools may cause learners to experience painful muscle contractions and rigidity, said OCBC.
Locations are selected for features such as tactile flooring, wheelchair ramps and accessible changing and showering facilities.
Those who are interested can e-mail SDSC at community@sdsc.org.sg
