Ahead of the launch of Gateway to the Sea, I was delighted to join Paralympian Melanie Barratt on RNIB Connect Radio to talk about the project and the importance of making open water swimming more accessible for blind and partially sighted people.
Speaking with Allan Russell, we reflected on how Gateway to the Sea came about. The project has its roots in the wonderful time I spent being-with people with visual impairments during my doctoral fieldwork last year. Throughout that research, participants shared not only the physical barriers they experienced accessing blue spaces, but also their desire to experience the sea, try open water swimming and feel part of these environments.
As the research developed, I reached out to Melanie, who was having very similar conversations through her work with British Blind Sport. It quickly became clear that we shared the same ambition: to create a supportive introduction to open water swimming for blind and partially sighted people. Bringing together research, lived experience, shared ideas and some fantastic partners, Gateway to the Sea was born.
Funded by the University of Brighton and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Gateway to the Sea brings together blind and partially sighted participants for a day of supported open water swimming, practical skills, community connection and confidence-building. The project is being delivered in partnership with British Blind Sport, SwimTrek, Sea Lanes Brighton, The Red Foundation and Melanie Barratt, whose lived experience and advocacy continue to inspire so many people to discover open water swimming.
Alongside promoting Gateway to the Sea, the interview also highlighted another fantastic opportunity available in Brighton: the weekly visually impaired swimming sessions at Sea Lanes, which run every Saturday from 3–4pm. The sessions are supported by an accessible shuttle service, helping to remove some of the transport barriers that can prevent people from taking part.
Media opportunities like this play an important role in ensuring research reaches the people it is intended to benefit. Sharing stories through accessible platforms such as RNIB Connect Radio helps raise awareness, encourage participation and connect people with opportunities they may not otherwise hear about.
A huge thank you to Allan Russell and everyone at RNIB Connect Radio for helping us share the story behind Gateway to the Sea and for their continued support in promoting accessible sport, recreation and outdoor swimming for blind and partially sighted people.
You can listen to the full interview here:
RNIB Connect Radio – Free Open Water Swimming Event for Blind and Partially Sighted People
For more news, interviews and programmes from RNIB Connect Radio, visit their site here.
If you’re interested in learning more about Gateway to the Sea, my wider research exploring accessibility and inclusion in blue spaces, or opportunities to collaborate, please do get in touch.