[nabs-l] Swimming and Other Ocean Activities

[nmpbrat at aol.com]

Although I do agree with Meaghan to some degree, I think the comparison of swimming in the pool versus swimming in the ocean is not the same.  I think the act of swimming itself is probably not what her parents are concerned about.  I think instead, they may be concerned about things like sharks, for example, which seem to be coming closer and closer to shore these days in places where people do swim and do other things like surf.  This is something that you don't encounter in a pool and something that cannot necessarily be sensed besides using vision, until its too late.  The other thing that i can think of is swift undercurrents.  This is also something not found in a pool and which a person can find oneself very disoriented, even for those with sight.  Since I am partially sighted, I'm not sure that I am the best one to give answers to this but I do see where they might have concerns.  I don't know that it necessarily means that your friends have to be attached to your hip, so to speak, but rather just aware of the surroundings and that you remain in reasonable proximity to them.  Honestly, regardless of whether you are there with them or not, they should be keeping watch for unwanted "visitors" and should also be keeping track of where they are in relation to the shore....so really the only thing they would need to do is make sure you're in the same general area to them.  
Just my 2 cents.    



-----Original Message-----
From: Roper, Meaghan via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Roper, Meaghan <ropermeaghan at gmail.com>
Sent: Sat, Aug 12, 2017 9:25 pm
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Swimming and Other Ocean Activities

Vejas, 

Speaking from personal experience, I was a swimmer from fourth grade through 12th grade. I swam  varsity all four years of high school, and managed the boys swim team as well as competing for the girls. I do not think that you need to be monitored while swimming, as long as you were properly educated about the safety of swimming in pools and other bodies of water. 

Swimming is an absolutely fantastic competitive sport and leisurely  activity, and as long as you are properly equipped I think you can take on any body of water at any depth. In my experience, swimming is one of the few activities that does not require any vision, at least on the competitive level and especially on the leisurely level. I don't see why you can't enjoy yourself swimming independently at any time.

I hope you were able to figure this out and enjoy the sport; definitely one of the best.

Best,

Meaghan

Meaghan Roper
Wheelock college | Class of 2018

> On Aug 12, 2017, at 9:10 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi All.
> I hope everyone is having a great summer.  I have a question for these who enjoy swimming, or any other ocean activity such as surfing or kayaking.
> My parents have told me that if I go into the ocean with friends, then I need to make sure that these friends are watching closely, since there are certain things I could run into or waves that I might not be able to see.  However, I feel that I wouldn't want to put extra responsibility on a friend who wants to just enjoy the beach themselves.  I was wondering how you all go into the ocean and who you go with, if anyone.
> Thanks,
> Vejas
> 
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