Relief for swimmers as Ministry announces swimming pools to open for all

With the concept of large gatherings going under the scanner after Covid 19 first came to light in India, it was only obvious that areas and events such as fitness centres, cinemas, music festivals, swimming pools etc would be shut. While a few of these had opened up towards the end of 2020, theatres and swimming pools were still operating at a restricted capacity with the pools, in particular, being open only for sportspersons. However, there is some good news and respite for all avid swimmers before the summer heatwaves set in all over the country. Following a recent declaration by the Ministry of Home Affairs, there has been a new order to allow swimming pools to open and operate at a maximum capacity across the country from February 1 onwards.

After a long and challenging ten months, swimming pools are finally allowed to reopen for all activities. We look forward to a safe, structured reopening that makes the Indian Aquatic Industry more sustainable and robust.#reopenpools #unlock5 #Swimming

— Swimming Matters India (@IndiaSwimming) January 27, 2021

An excerpt from the declarations stated, "Now swimming pools will be permitted for use of all, for which a revised SOP will be issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYA&S) in consultation with MHA."

The aforementioned order will be further broken down and regulated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in the coming days. This has been the initial proposal along with a direction that the capacity and presence of people in functions with large gatherings will now be subject to state rules and not the 50% nominal cap. Given that there are high risks that come with the virus and its spread in water bodies as well, precautionary measures would have to be top-notch if swimming pools are to continue to remain open. Heavy sanitization, temperature checks and regular disinfecting of the water is a must to prevent and protect people in such an exposed environment. Either way, the news of swimming pools opening will definitely be a breather for those who have had to stay away from the pool for approximately a year.

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