Yongin City Opens Exclusive Swimming Lane for People with Disabilities at Dongbaek Mireu Human Center: "Enjoy Rehabilitation and Exercise to the Fullest"

Customized Lessons for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities
Family Shower and Changing Rooms with Inclusive Facilities
Applications Accepted August 21-23; Trial Operation from September to November
One Out of Ten Lanes Dedicated; Considering Regular Program for Next Year
Mayor Lee Sangil: "Enjoy Rehabilitation and Exercise to the Fullest"

Yongin Special City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Sangil) is operating swimming lanes exclusively for people with disabilities at public swimming pools, so that disabled individuals can enjoy swimming comfortably. This initiative aims to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports and support aquatic rehabilitation.

Yongin Special City operates a dedicated lane for disabled swimmers at Dongbaek Mir Human Center swimming pool. Provided by Yongin City

On August 10, Yongin City announced that starting in September, it will pilot one exclusive swimming lane for people with disabilities at the Dongbaek Mireu Human Center swimming pool in Jung-dong, Giheung-gu. Out of a total of 10 lanes, each 25 meters in length, one lane will be designated exclusively for people with disabilities during specific time slots.

At this location, the city will offer open swimming sessions and small-group customized lessons for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Open swimming will be available from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Each lane will have a capacity of 20 people.

The lessons for individuals with developmental disabilities are divided into two groups: one for school-age children and another for adolescents. Each group will have two instructors and 4 to 6 students. If needed, parents or support staff may also participate. The children’s class will be held every Monday at 4 p.m., and the adolescents' class at 5 p.m., each lasting 50 minutes.

Eligibility is limited to registered persons with disabilities in accordance with the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities. The fee for open swimming is 2,000 won per session, while lesson fees are 60,000 won for four sessions per month. This is about half the regular fee.

Applications will be accepted via the Dongbaek Mireu Human Center Sports Center website from August 21 to August 23. The city plans to pilot the program from September to November, and will analyze user satisfaction and operating results before deciding whether to officially include it in next year’s regular offerings.

The Dongbaek Mireu Human Center, a lifestyle SOC multi-complex facility that opened last April, is also equipped with customized amenities for people with disabilities and their families. The swimming pool contains two family shower rooms of roughly 9 square meters each and two changing rooms of about 10 square meters each. Separate accessible toilets for men and women with disabilities have also been provided.

In the family shower rooms, shower head holders are positioned low for easy access by wheelchair users and children. The walls are fitted with folding chairs and diaper-changing stations suitable for both teenagers and adults. There is also a dedicated space under the lockers in the changing rooms to accommodate wheelchairs.

This facility reflects suggestions collected during a meeting in May 2024 between Mayor Lee Sangil and special school principals and parents. At that time, a parent of a child with developmental disabilities requested, “Please provide accessible toilets, changing rooms, and showers that people with disabilities and their families can use together at public swimming pools.” Mayor Lee responded that these features would be immediately incorporated into public buildings.

Accordingly, Yongin City installed family shower rooms, changing rooms, and restrooms for families of people with disabilities at both the Dongbaek Mireu Human Center and the Giheung National Sports Center swimming pool, which opened in July last year.

Mayor Lee stated, “As a detailed gesture for families of people with disabilities, we have equipped the Dongbaek Mireu Human Center swimming pool with family shower rooms, changing rooms, and accessible toilets. Swimming is a beloved sport for both people with and without disabilities. I hope all citizens will enjoy swimming at the Dongbaek Mireu Human Center to the fullest, for both rehabilitation and exercise, regardless of ability.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.