Hove Surf Club Is First To Introduce British Sign Language To Safety Practices

Hove Surf Life-Saving Club has become the first in the country to introduce British Sign Language into its water safety practices.

Deaf children’s charity, Sound Waves Foundation (SWF), has partnered with the club to introduce eleven words including 'Danger', ‘Big Wave’, ‘Stop’ and ‘Look over there,' which will be taught to all children and adults attending the club, whilst new water safety signage incorporating the BSL words will be displayed prominently at Hove Lagoon. 

The club is the first in the UK to adopt BSL as part of its water safety practices.  Sound Waves Foundation hopes that by working in partnership with other clubs and water sports facilities they will develop more shared life saving BSL signs.  

Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children, and research from the National Deaf Children’s Society found that 40% of deaf children  have difficulty accessing swimming opportunities. The charity hopes the introduction of BSL signs will make beaches and open water safer places for everyone and more inclusive spaces for those with hearing difficulties. Empowering deaf children to more confidently participate in water activities. 

Sound Waves Foundation together with HSLSC identified 11 phrases and words to the surf club and swimmers in dangerous situations (most useful to surfers and swimmers in dangerous situations) translating them into BSL.  The charity has created simple and easy to follow posters which will be displayed initially at the club’s base in Hove Lagoon.  It has also created a range of videos and has taught HSLSC instructors how to sign the phrases and words.  The 11 phrases and words being used are: 'Danger,' 'Finish,' 'Well Done,'  'Big Wave,' 'Surfboard,' 'Look over there,' 'Work together,' 'Look at me,' 'Group,' 'Stop' and 'Free time'. 

You can find demonstrations for some of the words in BSL on their website.

Silvie Koanda, Co-Founder of Sound Waves, said:  

“Introducing sign language into water safety practices will be a huge benefit not just for the deaf community, but for the public in general.  Sound doesn’t travel well across water which is a noisy acoustic environment.  This makes oral communication difficult for anyone.   

"Having two deaf children and one hearing child myself, I’m excited to see the impact this campaign will have in terms of improving water safety and inclusion across the community.

"Small acts of inclusion can make a huge difference to everyone – in this context it can save a life. No-one is disadvantaged because of this - it is an improvement that provides lifesaving skills and a more enjoyable experience for all.  We are proud to be working with Hove Surf Life Saving Club to pioneer this new approach to water safety.” 

Clare Edes and Louise Everington, Trustees of Hove Surf Life Saving Club added:

“At HSLSC we pride ourselves on creating a safe, accessible and inclusive environment for anyone to enjoy the ocean and learn the skills needed to surf life save.  We initially started working with Silvie and her daughter Elyana who participates with us to create an environment that was accessible for her. 

"However, we quickly realised how beneficial BSL would be for all our members improving our water safety practices for everyone.  We are keen to spread the word and encourage other clubs and water sports organisations to adopt these simple signs.” 

The new BSL water safety signs will be displayed at Hove Lagoon Watersports Centre, HSLSC premises and seafront, and used in surf life saving lessons for both deaf and hearing children attending HSLSC.  

Sound Waves Foundation is continuing to work with Hove Surf Life Saving Club where two members of the club are learning to become signing champions. All surf instructors and lifeguards are now taught BSL and it is becoming a key part of all the lessons delivered by the club as standard.