News: USM Lifeguards teaching disabled athletes to swim

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) lifeguards provided a free swimming lesson to Special Olympics Penang athletes on 27 September at USM swimming pool. 

The lesson which started at 9am was attended by eight athletes, ranging from 10 to 30 years old, who are having mental disabilities. 

According to the Captain of USM Lifeguard Corps, Ng Shin, most of the athletes can swim, just that their strokes might not be correct. However, for those who cannot swim, the lifeguards will teach them the basic skills like floating and bubbling in the water before proceeding with other swimming skills. 

“Few years back, our USM Lifeguard Corps seniors did teach members of Special Olympics Penang. However, the teaching stopped for a few years until this year”, he added. 

Talking about challenges during the lesson, Ng said communication is the major problem. Sometimes the athletes might not understand what the instructor says.

“So we have to be very patient most of the time. We have repeat and teach them step by step. The progress might be slow, but we have no way to rush on that”, he explains. 

Ng feels it is very meaningful to teach Special Olympics Penang athletes. He feels happy to provide an opportunity for the athletes to learn and do sports they like.

 

Athletes having their warm up session before getting into the water.

Before swimming, instructor checked to make sure her student knows bubbling in the water.

Besides patience, caring is one of the qualities presented by a good instructor.