Call for visually impaired swimmers and water-lovers to take part in unique study

Are you blind or visually impaired and love the water? Or maybe you’d like to be more involved in outdoor swimming, but haven’t always felt welcome or included?

PhD researcher Sadie Rockliffe is inviting blind and visually impaired adults (18+, UK-based) to take part in a collaborative project exploring how people connect with blue spaces like the sea, lakes and rivers. Whether you swim regularly, occasionally, or just enjoy being near the water – Sadie would love to hear from you.

The project offers relaxed, informal opportunities to share your experiences, through conversation by the water, on a walk, or even during a swim-along interview if you’re up for it! It’s all about listening to lived experience and co-creating a better understanding of access, sensory connection, and inclusion in outdoor swimming.

Recent coverage of the research has included BBC Breakfast, BBC Sport, ITV Meridian, and RNIB Connect Radio, following a swim session at Sea Lanes Brighton (the UK’s National Open Water Swimming Centre) earlier this month.

For more information visit AccessibleWaters.co.uk get in touch directly: s.rockliffe1@uni.brighton.ac.uk