Mangaluru: Yemmekere swimming pool to open for public in 10 days

Team Udayavani, Feb 26, 2024, 7:41 PM IST

The Olympic standard swimming pool at Yemmekere, a flagship project under the Smart City initiative, is set to open its doors to the public within the next ten days. The swimming pool, inaugurated on November 24, has remained closed since its inauguration, but preparations are now underway to make it accessible to eager swimmers.

A comprehensive study has been conducted to enhance the pool’s infrastructure and management systems, drawing insights from other swimming facilities across the country.

Each section of the swimming pool will be equipped with a dedicated coach and lifeguard for the safety and guidance of swimmers. As summer holidays draw near, preparations are underway to organize swimming camps. Additionally, essential facilities will be in place, and measures have been taken to ensure proper maintenance by the contracted organization for the coming years.

The swimming pool complex has been constructed at a cost of Rs 24.94 crore on a sprawling 2-acre area. The main pool measures 50 meters in length and 25 meters in width, with a depth ranging from 2.2 meters to 1.4 meters. Additionally, a practice pool spanning 25 meters in length, 10 meters in width, and 2.2 meters in depth has been built to cater to athletes’ training needs. For children, a miniature swimming pool measuring 13.8 meters in length, 10 meters in width, and 1.2 meters in depth offers a safe environment for learning.

Beyond the pools themselves, the complex features essential amenities such as dormitories, a gymnasium, changing rooms, toilets, lockers, an administrative office, sports medicine facilities, treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy center.

The construction of the swimming pool complex was completed last year, with Urban Development Minister B. S. Suresh presiding over its inauguration. Although a national-level masters swimming competition was held shortly thereafter, access to the facility has been restricted to the public until now, with no further competitions planned.

As final preparations are underway, Arun Prabha, Mangaluru Smart City General Manager, affirmed that the swimming pool will soon welcome the public. “Crucial information regarding the arrangements for the public at the newly constructed pool, covering aspects like maintenance, expenses, and other pertinent issues has been obtained. To ensure a top-notch experience for our visitors, we’ve meticulously studied various pools across the state, implementing necessary actions accordingly. We’re excited to announce that the swimming pool will be open to the public within the next ten days, and as soon as the final preparations are completed, we’ll warmly welcome everyone to enjoy the facilities,” Arun Prabha said.