Through working with UK Deaf Sport, the North East Region were recently able to access some funding which has enabled a number of starting strobes to be purchased for use within the region. These strobes are available for all clubs to access and are based at Billingham, South Tyneside and Derwentside Swimming Clubs.

With competitions being put on hold for the past 18 months, the strobes haven’t been used, however the region has been delighted to receive some feedback from one of the clubs who used them at their recent competition.

Talking about using the strobe, Billingham Swimming Clubs’ Mark Blackmore said ‘We held our first gala since we received the strobe light. At first we had it positioned at a reasonable distance from the starter for other officials etc to use as an alternative to the starter.

However; we also had a hearing impaired swimmer who, as the luck of the start list would have it posted here at the far end of the pool. The strobe allowed us the flexibility to move the light directly under her sight line when standing on the blocks to allow her to start as normal. Previously we have moved her starting position to be closer to the starter and they would also have a coach behind them to touch start when the start signal went off. It is a fantastic addition to any gala’.

If you are a club looking at holding a competition within the region, please consider getting in touch with one of the clubs above who house one of the strobes as they are a fantastic addition to any swimming competition.