BSL
sports
safety
Promoting the use
of
in extreme
and adventure
to enhance
We first introduced Sign Safe in partnership with
Hove Life Saving Surf Club, to help young deaf members
take part in their clubs in a safe inclusive way.
Interestingly, we found that learning BSL helped everyone stay safer in the water. Hearing can be reduced or obstructed in aquatic environments, so being able to communicate using sign language benefits everyone—not just those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
This is true for most extreme sports, where vocal
communication is often hampered by environment, distance
and lack of phone signals. Using BSL provides a clear
alternative to spoken word, when sound isn't an option.
We are now on a mission to introduce Sign Safe
to all extreme and adventure sport centres as a standard
practice, to not only increase deaf safety and awareness,
but the safety of everyone involved.
Breaking Waves with Signs
Advocating Change - Lifesaving skills
Deaf children often find it challenging to participate in mainstream water sports as most instructions are given verbally.
Hearing devices (if used by the deaf child) are not waterproof so they cannot be worn in water. As water creates a noisy acoustic environment it makes verbal communication difficult for nearly everyone.
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Did you know that 40% of deaf children face difficulty accessing swimming (NDCS) which is a worry as drowning is one of the top causes of death for people aged 1-14 years old worldwide.​ Our aim is to make surfing, swimming and all activities with water, safe and inclusive for deaf children.
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Sound Waves Foundation has selected some water safety BSL signs that are easy to learn and can be used to benefit everyone.​ We are thrilled to have partnered with Hove Surf Life Saving Club to make water fun and safe for everyone.
When you're really far out, and even your
[hearing] friends can't hear you, it's helpful.
If they sign to me 'big wave', then I can
turn around and know what to do.
deaf participant at Hove Surf Life Saving Club
