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Blue Wave complex in Margate awarded IFI Mark

A fitness complex which supports students’ and young people’s rehabilitation and recreational activities at the Royal School for Deaf Children in Margate has become the latest facility to be awarded Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) Mark accreditation.

The Blue Wave Hydrotherapy & Gym Complex on the Kent coast is a new facility, having only opened in March last year. It features a fully equipped, state of the art hydrotherapy pool, among other facilities, and is open to the public.

Manager of the centre, Ross Carter, told the English Federation of Disability Sport:

“The accreditation means a great deal to us. The IFI Mark will advertise us as disabled-friendly and an accessible facility, and hopefully that will draw in people who perhaps felt before they were not able to attend. Now they can come to us, a leisure centre in their local area.”

The IFI Mark recognises the achievements and commitment of leisure facilities who enable disabled people to become physically active. The accreditation provides an inclusive platform for disabled and non-disabled people to be active together.

And as Ross explained to EFDS, Blue Wave’s initial accreditation assessment resulted in some changes needing to be made.

“In order to receive the accreditation we had an assessor come out to do a whole audit of our building. The report then gave us a few pointers for things we had to adjust or amend in order to reach the required status.

The changes Blue Wave had to make in order to be reassessed for accreditation illustrate how seeking an IFI Mark can help improve a building, even an entire organisation's accessibility:

“We had to install a hearing induction loop. Beforehand we didn’t actually have it, because all of our staff are British Sign Language trained. There had never been a need, but it became something we had to purchase. We also increased spaces between our tables and chairs in our reception area, as well as adjusting some of the signage so it was all a uniform standard and had good colour contrast. And we amended some policies, to allow for guide dogs and to give people assistance when opening and closing doors. 

"It was all a series of minor things that were overlooked or not quite anticipated when the Centre opened.”

A range of fitness facilities are available at Blue Wave, including a new specialist multi-gym with a wide range of easily accessible modern gym equipment.

Any profits made from the Complex are returned to The John Townsend Trust charity to support its work.

Blue Wave prides itself on a “friendly” and “family” approach towards members, to make everyone feel welcome and a part of the facility, and Ross added:

“The more facilities we have nationwide that are inclusive for everyone, the better. The IFI Mark is something we fully support.”

For more information about the IFI Mark visit visit the Inclusive Fitness Initiative page or contact the IFI Team on email ifi@efds.co.uk or phone 01509 227750.