One of the most consistent barriers raised in conversations during my doctoral research has not actually been the swimming itself.
It has been getting there.
I’m therefore absolutely delighted to share a brilliant new initiative launching this Saturday 16th May, with Sea Lanes partnering with Brighton Community Transport to offer a free shuttle service for visually impaired swimmers attending Sea Lanes swims.
The service will run from:
2.00pm — Churchill Square (outside M&S)
2.15pm — Brighton Station (Ibis Hotel)
2.30pm — VIP Pizza
2.40pm — Arrive at Sea Lanes
The service is completely free for those using it.
To book:
01273 044163
sealanes@southdownsleisure.co.uk
Why This Matters
Across my research with visually impaired swimmers, transport came up repeatedly as a significant barrier to accessing blue spaces.
While conversations around accessibility often focus on ramps, infrastructure, changing facilities, or in-water support, the journey to and from these spaces can be just as important.
If getting there feels stressful, inaccessible, expensive, unfamiliar, or dependent on others’ availability, participation can be limited before anyone even reaches the water.
That insight led to some conversations with Brighton & Hove Community Transport and South Downs Leisure about whether something practical might be possible.
I’m incredibly grateful that they responded so positively and have taken this forward so enthusiastically, including covering the transport costs to make the service free to users!
A visually impaired swimmer I’ve worked alongside also generously helped think through practical logistics and suitable collection points, which has been invaluable in making the service feel grounded in lived experience.
Research Into Action
This is exactly the kind of change I hope Accessible Waters can help support.
Not simply identifying barriers, but working collaboratively to remove them.
Transport shapes who gets to access blue spaces, when, and with what degree of independence, confidence, and ease.
I’m really excited to see this launch and hopeful it opens the door for more accessible transport initiatives like this elsewhere.
Huge thanks to everyone involved in making it happen x
