With summer vacation on, most of us may think it is only children heading to the many swimming camps across the city. There is, however, a huge turnover of Bengalureans across age groups thronging pools this summer.
Apart from being the coolest solution to the heat, swimming pools are also a good option for a rigorous and fun workout. Award-winning swimmer Nisha Millet says the numbers in her academy have begun to swell. “Bengalureans are generally active and health-conscious. And while there are running clubs sprouting everywhere, it is horrible to workout in the gym or run in the summer. Automatically, the first thing that comes to mind is swimming.”
Nisha adds that with the second the heat wave hitting Bengaluru, there is a huge influx of people booking batches. Freddy Immanuel, an independent swimming coach helping out in a couple of clubs across the city, affirms that the usual attendance in public pools triples across the city in the summer. “In Bangalore, you can swim anytime of the year, barring a few cold months. Now, there are heated pools too for people who still find the water cold. So, there is literally no excuse not to swim now.”
A first timer at the Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre, teenager Shwetha Rao says while this is her first pool session, she has always loved water.
“I’ve never had the courage to come on my own so I roped in my parents and brother. While we all hesitated at first, now it is like a family outing. We are even getting our relatives to join the batches.”
Age is no bar. Nisha says they’ve had swimmers right from four years to 80 years!
“It only proves that this is good for everyone. We are even getting certified to start infant swimming. By June we’ll be certified to take in one-and-a-half years to four years so we have literally, people across spectrums.”
The health benefits are numerous as well. Being such a low-impact sport, swimming helps even people with a range of health issues ranging from arthritis and joint pains to diabetes and high blood pressure. “So though people are getting to enjoy the water, they are flocking also to reap the heap of benefits from it,” points out Nisha.
Freddy adds that pools are also mindful of Bengalureans’ needs. “We have separate batches for ladies and children so as to avoid any disturbances. And while they are the regular summer campers, the number of senior citizens taking to the water has also gone up.” Nisha agrees and says: “We sometimes see the whole family enrol – from kids to their parents and grandparents. It is never too late to be a water baby.”
People also get to choose a range of attires for the water pastime. Apart from the standard swimwear, there is a rage for full body suits and facekinis now. So even people with skin issues or those who do not want to get tanned, can take to the water without hesitation.
So, what are you waiting for, join the rest of the city and dive in to the nearest pool.
Popular Pools
Nisha Millets Swimming Academy
Swim Life
Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre
Sastha Pools Swimming Academy
PM Swimming Centre
And many more…
No of public pools: 8
Pools charge as less as Rs. 500 to Rs. 2,000 while private pools go up to as much as Rs. 8,000
Swimming…
Improves blood pressure
Reduces stress
Conditions heart
Tones bosy
Relieves mind
Reduces weight
Saves lives
Organic Pools
Organic pools that do not use chemicals but go the natural way are all the rage in the city.
C. B. Ramkumar, Founder and Managing Director of Our Native Village eco-resort, explains the pros of taking to natural water. “This is the only way we can afford to go forward. Having a swimming pool itself in an indulgence, considering water is such a scarce commodity and there are millions across the world without a drop to drink.
“The only redemption is having a natural pool that doesn’t use any chemicals to treat the naturally clean water.
“At least you can use that water once or twice after it’s taken from the pool to water plants or wash vehicles.” One of the only resorts with a natural pool, Ramkumar says they use aquatic plants to clean the water. “Of course, there are various models around the world. I only ask people, whatever pool technology you use, please avoid using chemicals. Once you use chemicals, the water becomes useless. If it was organic, you can use it to water your plants since its rich in organic material.”
