Instilling waves of confidence in the visually impaired

KUALA LUMPUR: For years, Siti Sara Ilias wanted to learn how to swim, but fear kept her away from the water.

The 31-year-old, who became visually impaired at age 18 due to optic-nerve damage caused by tuberculous meningitis, often imagined the worst whenever she was in a pool.

“I used to be terrified of drowning whenever I was in the water,” she told Bernama. Today, that fear has begun to fade.

Through “Splash of Confidence 3.0”, organised by Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia’s Defence Fitness Academy in collaboration with the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB), Siti Sara has learnt to float, swim and trust herself in the water.

For Siti Sara, the programme has helped boost her self-confidence. She was among 40 visually impaired participants who took part in the recent event, which earned a Malaysia Book of Records entry for the “Most Participants in an Inclusive Swimming Programme”.

Another participant, Muhammad Rushaidi Fuad, said the opportunity was worth travelling from Batu Pahat, Johor to Kuala Lumpur.

The Form Six student, who has a category B2 visual impairment, had never had formal swimming lessons before. To him, the programme was a chance to learn proper techniques in a safe and supportive environment.

“The biggest challenge was learning breathing techniques. But with the guidance of the facilitators, I am becoming much more confident in the water,” the 20-year-old said.

Programme adviser Noor Hamzani Farizan said participation had grown significantly compared with two earlier editions of the programme, reflecting greater interest among visually impaired individuals in aquatic activities.

She said while learning to swim alone does not guarantee protection from drowning, understanding water safety principles can greatly reduce risks and prevent accidents.

One of the programme’s biggest achievements is the development of Malaysia’s first Braille water safety module, created from data and experiences gathered over the past three years.

The module includes guidance on basic swimming techniques and safety practices, adapted through modified auditory methods such as whistles, instructors’ voices, and precise verbal instructions.

MAB chief executive officer George Thomas said the module will serve as an important reference for training sessions and awareness activities involving the visually impaired community, so they, too, can safely enjoy aquatic activities.

“Many people still believe that those with visual impairments are unable to participate in sports and recreational activities,” he said. “But sport is not only for able-bodied individuals; it is for persons with disabilities, too.”