Community

Swimming for all with Vivacity Peterborough

The Vivacity Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre has always been proud to welcome swimmers of all abilities to its waters. Now, thanks to a project funded by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA), further improvements have made the centre even more disability friendly

Swimming heaven

The Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre on Bishops Road is a mecca for anyone of any ability who loves swimming. The centre was recently selected by the ASA to take part in its inclusive swimming project – Let’s Go Swimming. The project identifies the barriers people with disabilities may encounter when going swimming. It does this by carrying out mystery visits, site audits and by interviewing customers and staff.

Great results

The outcome of the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre’s audit has been hugely positive. It has highlighted the areas in which the centre offers good disabled facilities but also some areas of improvements that have been funded by a grant from the ASA. Funding is available for improving inclusive swimming access and availability, staff education and the provision of inclusive swimming sessions. The centre has acted on the audit results to make several improvements. The funding has been used to improve access and service levels to the centre by installing drop curbs from the main bus route, introducing better traffic management, improving centre signage, increasing changing room seating and installing poolside storage.

Room to teach

In addition, some of the funding has been used to create a new swimming environment in the existing Teaching Pool. The new Teaching Pool timetable has been designed to include specialised disability sessions, as well as relaxation and confidence sessions, while making space for specialist user groups. Recently fitted blackout blinds throughout will allow for a more private swimming experience. Newly installed specialised sensory equipment will create an otherworldly underwater setting – complete with fish! Swimmers will be transported to the realms of the ocean thanks to two projectors, with relaxing water music completing the experience while users bask in the 32°C Teaching Pool water.

Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre Bishops Road, Peterborough PE1 5BW. 01733 864760, www.vivacity-peterborough.com/venues/regionalfitness-and-swimming-centre

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