The Geelong Low Vision Aquafit Program just started in Geelong in collaboration with Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre thanks to the wonderful support from the City of Greater Geelong.
This is a pilot program that will be running for 20 weeks at no cost to participants!
Come along and try this fun, engaging and great workout specifically designed for people with blindness and low vision with a trained instructor.
Here's what Annette Leishman had to say about the first class...
The first Aqua Fit class at Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Waurn Ponds in Geelong was a great success. Eight participants turned up for the session on a cold and wet wintery afternoon. But the weather didn’t bother us because inside the building, everyone was so warm and welcoming.
The class began with a roll call followed by an orientation session. Not many of us had met each other previously but within minutes we were chatting together like old friends. Soon it was time to get into the pool. The water felt a bit cool at first, but it didn’t take long to warm up. The instructor kept us moving non-stop for 45 minutes, which helped us adjust quickly and stay engaged.
After the warmup, it was time for the dumbbells – foam weights for water exercise. I had no idea how creative and effective a simple pair of pool dumbbells could be. They added resistance and variety in a way that made the exercises both fun and challenging.
Then it was time to set the dumbbells aside and follow a series of guided movements. The instructor gave great verbal descriptions for each movement with aid of a microphone to project her voice. With the help of our support people, we were able to follow the exercises and stay in rhythm to the music of ABBA that was playing quietly in the background. By the end of the class, we all agreed we were physically tired in a satisfying way—but also mentally lifted.
You can read more about Annette's adventures in her blog Pinhole Central.
There as so many benefits to participating in aqua fitness including -
- Low impact exercise
- Water supports the body, putting less stress on your joints and muscles
- Working out in water helps build strength
- The impact of gravity is less in the water allowing a greater range of motion
We would love to welcome you to our Geelong Aquafit Program.
When:
Wednesdays, 2.00pm to 2:45pm - during school terms. No sessions on public holidays.
This pilot program will run between 3rd June, and 11th November, 2026.
Where:
Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre, located at 240 Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds. VIC. 3216.
Click here to view a location map of the venue
Travel by public transport:
The closest bus stop is at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre via Bus 40, 41, or 42.
Parking: There is free parking at the venue and 12 accessible parking spaces available.
Cost: Free. The cost of the Pilot Program will be covered by BSRV for all participants and their carer/ support person.
Registration:
Limited places available.
Registration is required for each class via the following humanitix link:
https://events.humanitix.com/lowvisionaqua
Contact person:
If you would like more information about the program, please phone or email Rachel:
0493 105 800
rachel@blindsports.org.au
Supported by a City of Greater Geelong Community Grant. 
