Swim Like No Other

Today I had a swim experience like no other. It was the first time I have guided anyone in the open sea, let alone my friend, Meng Ee, who is visually challenged. Despite being visually challenged, Meng Ee was determined to participate in the upcoming biathlon on 13th March. I thought to myself, if Meng Ee is willing to put himself up for the challenge, the rest of us who are sighted and able really have no excuse. All of us are given gifts/talents and what we do with them is entirely up to us.

I admire Meng Ee for his determination so when he approached me to be his guide, I said yes without hesitation. Of course after I had agreed to be his guide, there were lots of anxiety as I haven't swam for about a year. I was frantically trying to squeeze in as many swim sessions as I could amidst my busy work schedule. I had to get started to get my swim up to speed again. To be honest, swimming has never been my forte to begin with. So I had lots of swimming to do. To top it all, Meng Ee represents Singapore in swimming for disability sports (*sweat*sweat*). So you can see how much catching up I have to do! But Meng Ee has been very kind. He has been swimming at my pace and told be me that he was in no hurry. Hence, I told him that I will help him catch up on swim time lost during the run =op

We have had a few practice swims together in the pool before today. However, when we were out in the open sea, all our big plans and systems went out the window. The cloudy and milky sea water made it impossible for me to see the glow wrist-sticks we had around his wrists. I could only identify him by his swim cap.

I was his eyes in the open sea to help him navigate round the course and around other swimmers. It was tough initially as we had to manage the currents and circumvent the buoys and swimmers, particularly, those swimming breast stroke. After a couple of loops, we had a better grip of swimming in the open sea amidst other swimmers allowing me to guide Meng Ee better. We were swimming along side each other more comfortably during the last few loops. It was a good opportunity for us to work out a system between us and we have David who organised the swim session to thank.

We are ready for race day! So do look out for Meng Ee on 13th march as it is his race =o)