Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, said on the 10th it will pilot an exclusive lane for people with disabilities at the swimming pool in Dongbaek Mir Human Center in Jung-dong, Giheung-gu, starting in September.
The pilot program is meant to broaden opportunities for people with disabilities to take part in recreational sports and to support aquatic rehabilitation. Yongin has seven public swimming pools, but there have not been enough dedicated spaces and programs for people with disabilities to use with confidence.
To that end, the city plans to designate and operate one of the 10 25-meter lanes on the first floor of the Dongbaek Mir Human Center swimming pool as an exclusive lane for people with disabilities during set hours.
It will also run open swim and small-group lessons for children and teenagers with developmental disabilities. Open swim is available on weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. On weekends, it is available from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Up to 20 people can use one lane.
Small-group lessons for people with developmental disabilities will be split into school-age children and teenagers. Two instructors per class will teach 4–6 students. If assistance is needed, a guardian or activity support worker may accompany them. The children's class runs every Monday from 4 p.m. for 50 minutes, and the teenagers' class runs from 5 p.m. for 50 minutes.
Both programs are open to people registered as disabled under the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities. The fee for open swim is 2,000 won per session, and the lesson fee is 60,000 won for four sessions per month. That is half the regular price.
Yongin will accept applications for the programs on the Dongbaek Mir Human Center Sports Center website from the 21st to the 23rd of this month. After piloting the programs from September to November this year, the city plans to review making them regular programs next year based on user satisfaction and operating results.
The Dongbaek Mir Human Center swimming pool has family showers (two), changing rooms (two), and men's and women's restrooms for people with disabilities for convenience.
In the family showers, the showerhead mounts are set low for convenient use by people with disabilities, seniors, and children. Folding chairs are provided on the walls, and diaper changing tables for teenagers and adults are also provided. There is a separate space at the bottom of the lockers in the changing rooms that can accommodate wheelchairs. The restrooms for people with disabilities are operated as family restrooms.
Lee Sang-il, the Yongin mayor, said, "Swimming is a sport loved by both people with and without disabilities," adding, "We hope everyone can freely enjoy swimming that aids rehabilitation and exercise at the Dongbaek Mir Human Center without distinction."