The following guidelines have been put together to assist coaches and poolside helpers give the best possible support to hearing impaired swimmers. Hearing impairment ranges from those who have slight hearing difficulty to those who are profoundly deaf. The first step you always need to take is to ask the parent, guardian or swimmer what you or the club can do to assist them.

• Hearing impaired swimmers rely on visual information.
• Consider preparing the swimmer in advance of training by e-mailing or providing a hard copy of the programme session for them to read.
• Remember that technical terms such as ‘high velocity’ or ‘overload’ may not be familiar to the swimmer. Use simple alternatives. Consider providing a list of terms to the swimmer for them to practise at home.
• Write the set on the board. Refer to the board and wipe the set off when it is completed.
• Mime the stroke technique and use other visual clues such as the clock or timer.
• A thumb up sign means ‘good’. A raised little finger means ‘bad’.
• Allow the swimmer to have an unobstructed view of your face for lip reading. Consider where the light is. Is it shining in the swimmer’s eyes and preventing good vision?
• When speaking do this as you would normally do. Don’t exaggerate lip movements.
• If you need to get the attention of the swimmer tap them on their shoulder.
• Don’t ask the swimmer to lead the lane. This enables them to copy other swimmers.
• You may be asked to look after hearing aids during swimming. They must be kept dry.
• During competition they should have a touch start from a volunteer unless a flashing light is available. It may be sufficient to place swimmers in the lane nearest the starting pistol or speaker.

If you require any further information please contact the EPSC Welfare Officer or UK Deaf Sport.

Last Updated: April 2009