Imagine the happiness on the faces of those who usually see the world through touch and sound, when they experience the waves and sound of the beach.
You wouldn’t have to imagine had you been there when 16 visually impaired students of the National Association for the Blind (NAB) had a special beach day, curated by Drishti Marine, at Hawaii Beach in Dona Paula.
The sun was out, and so was the beachwear for these 16 youngsters, among them, 11-year-old Gauresh Gawde, who loved and enjoyed the experience.
“I didn’t know how to swim before, but now I know. I liked floating and playing with the toy boats on the beach,” he said.
This was the third curated experience aimed to highlight the power of inclusive recreation and how safety, empathy and thoughtful planning can create unforgettable memories for children with visual impairment and enhance their ability to explore.
SAFE ZONE
This was the third curated experience aimed to highlight the power of inclusive recreation and how safety, empathy and thoughtful planning can create unforgettable memories for children with visual impairment and enhance their ability to explore.
“We had demarcated a 30x50-metre swim zone, and no one was allowed beyond that," said General Manager of Operations and Training with Drishti Marine, Colonel Austin Collaco
I didn’t know how to swim before, but now I know. I liked floating and playing with the toy boats on the beach.
Gauresh Gawde, 11-year-old student of NAB
“The kids got to experience the surfboard entries, jetski rides and even rides on rigid inflatable boards. It’s all about helping them enjoy the sea in a safe, controlled environment. We had trained instructors and lifesavers manning the entire area,” he added.
AIMING TO BE AN INCLUSIVE BEACH
As part of the inclusive initiative, organised by Drishti Marine, a Goa government-appointed beach safety agency, the young visually impaired students experienced swimming in the sea, boating and racing with each other.
“The first was scuba diving, which was amazing. The second was a boat ride on the Mandovi, and this beach fun day is the third. We all had a lovely time at the beach. Our objective is to make them self-reliant in life,” said Council Member at NAB, Ashok Ramasubramaniam.
FUN DAY
Teachers accompanying the students observed a clear transformation in the children’s confidence and energy. “Our students are really connected with the environment. It built their confidence and gave them a new sense of joy,” said Resha Vernekar, music and computer teacher at NAB.
For Misfaar Bagwan, a 11-year-old, who enjoyed floating on the rescue boards, it was a dream come true. Drishti Marine deployed a team of trained lifesavers with rescue equipment to ensure the children felt secure while exploring the sea.
Our students are really connected with the environment. It built their confidence and gave them a new sense of joy.
Resha Vernekar, music and computer teacher at NAB
“We wanted the children to have fun, but also be safe. We had rescue boards, a jet ski and a rigid inflatable boat. All the children wore life jackets and 8-10 qualified lifesavers were inside the demarcated swim zone, with them, throughout the experience,” added Ananyaa Bath, a Drishti Marine lifesaver.
This event is Drishti Marine’s third curated experience in association with NAB.