💙 Deaf Awareness Week at RKLSwims

Loud and Proud (But Respectfully Quiet Too)

It’s Deaf Awareness Week, and here at RKLSwims, we’re turning up the volume (metaphorically, of course) on inclusion, understanding, and respect for our deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Let’s face it, swimming is already a bit of a mime show. The wild hand signals. The exaggerated facial expressions. That confused moment when your coach tries to tell you something through their goggles and you nod like you understood, but… You didn’t. Sound familiar? 😅

That’s why Deaf Awareness Week hits close to home for us. Because in the water, everyone is already halfway to learning a new language, and at RKLSwims, we make sure no one’s left behind.

🌊 Inclusion Is Part of the Stroke

Swimming isn’t just about lap times and medals, it’s about confidence, safety, and connection. And for those with hearing loss, it can be daunting to jump into an environment that often relies on verbal instruction.

That’s where we come in.

At RKLSwims, our team isn’t just trained to teach, we’re trained to communicate. That means:

• 🧏‍♂️ Inclusive teaching techniques that support deaf and hard-of-hearing swimmers

• 👁‍🗨 Strategies for those with sight loss or dual-sensory needs

• 🧠 Experience working with all types of ALN (Additional Learning Needs)

• ✋ Patience, passion, and the ability to absolutely crush it with hand signals

We believe swimming should be accessible to everyone, no matter how they hear, see, or process the world around them.

📣 Okay, Marketing Hat On For a Sec…

Whether you’re looking for 1-to-1 lessons, small groups, or just a space that gets it, our instructors are fully trained, qualified, and experienced in working with a wide range of needs, including:

• Deaf and hard-of-hearing swimmers

• Visual impairments

• Neurodivergent children and adults

• Physical disabilities and more

  
  

  

From beginners building water confidence to athletes chasing their next PB, we adapt, support, and cheer you on every step of the way, above and below the surface. 💪

If you're looking for a swim school that gets it, like, really gets it, you're in the right place.

🏁 Final Lap Thoughts

Deaf Awareness Week isn’t just about understanding, it’s about action. It’s about opening up conversations, breaking down barriers, and making sure that whether you're hearing, hard of hearing, or somewhere in between, you always feel seen and supported.

So to all our amazing swimmers, families, and supporters in the deaf and ALN communities: we see you, we hear you (in all the ways that matter), and we’re proud to swim beside you.

Need to get in touch, ask about lesson options, or just want to chat? You can contact us here or drop us a message anytime. 📧 info@rklswims.com🌐 www.rklswims.com📞 07464 307079

💧Let’s make waves, together.