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Pools witness unprecedented rush

J.R.Shridharan finds it surprising that over 700 people registered for coaching in swimming

The best way the denizens have chosen to beat the heat in the city is to take a plunge into the various swimming pools, run by Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) and private clubs.

Never in the history of Vijayawada over 700 swimmers registered their names for the on-going summer coaching camp at Sir Vizzi swimming pool at Gandhinagar.

Cooling scalps

They arrive not only to cool their scalps and heels, but also stay fit and healthy.

"The rush is unprecedented. All the three pools - 25 metres, 50 metres and the baby pool -- are witnessing heavy rush. Keen to keep their children busy during the holidays, many parents are evincing interest in sending them to the pool to learn the art of swimming," says Tirumali Kumar, an international swimmer, who took part in the physically challenged segment at the Commonwealth Games at Melbourne.

In fact, Kumar is imparting training to the Krishna District sub-junior team, which is taking part in the inter-district meet on Sunday.

"For the first time, four swimmers from our district have crossed the qualifying time set by the Swimming Federation of India (SFI).

O. Phani Kumar is performing well under 34 seconds, while the qualifying time set by the federation is 36 seconds. And, Bhargav is clocking below 31 seconds against the qualifying time of 33 seconds," says Kumar.

Record-holder Limca Book of Records Jyothi Surekha and Arun Kanth are also performing well under the set timing by the federation.

No commitment

However, what irks the coaches - Suresh (NIS), Ramesh, Kusuma, Soni and Maladhari Rao is the lack commitment from the swimmers to continue after the summer holidays. "Even if 10 per cent out of the 700 swimmers come regularly, we can build good district teams from various age groups," feels Saidulu, a swimming administrator.

Well! How the children are initiated into the blue water?

"First we try to quell the fear aspect. We make them walk in the pool and later splash water in the face to allow them to turn water-friendly. Eye and water coordination is important for the success of any swimmer," Suresh, NIS coach said.

Later, the children are made to dip into the water and float without using the hands and legs.

"We will ask them to push the body into the water and allow them to float. Gradually we will introduce strokes like freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke," says Kumar.

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