Yongin Special City to Operate Dedicated Swimming Lane for People with Disabilities at Dongbaek Mir Human Center Starting September

Yongin Special City announced on the 10th that it will pilot operate a dedicated swimming lane for people with disabilities starting September at the swimming pool of Dongbaek Mir Human Center in Jung-dong, Giheung-gu, so that people with disabilities can enjoy swimming as conveniently as non-disabled individuals.

This is being done out of consideration to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in recreational sports and to support aquatic rehabilitation. Although there are seven public swimming pools in the region, there have been insufficient dedicated spaces and operating programs that people with disabilities can use with peace of mind.

In response, the city designated one of 10 lanes, each 25 meters long, on the first floor of Dongbaek Mir Human Center as a dedicated lane for people with disabilities during certain hours, allowing them to enjoy swimming, spend leisure time, and receive rehabilitation benefits.

To this end, the city will operate a free swimming program and small-scale instruction programs for children and youth with developmental disabilities.

Free swimming is available from 11 a.m. to noon and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Up to 20 people can use one lane.

The small-scale instruction program for people with developmental disabilities is particularly noteworthy. It is divided into a children's class for school-age children and a youth class, with two instructors safely guiding 4 to 6 students in each class. If additional assistance is needed, guardians or activity support workers can accompany participants.

The children's class is held every Monday at 4 p.m., and the youth class starts at 5 p.m. and lasts 50 minutes. Participants in both programs must be registered people with disabilities according to the Persons with Disabilities Welfare Act. The free swimming usage fee is 2,000 won per visit, and the instruction fee is 60,000 won per month (four sessions), which is 50% cheaper than regular rates.

The city plans to pilot operate the program from September to November this year, and will review plans to establish it as a regular program in 2027 after reflecting user satisfaction and operational results.

The swimming pool at Dongbaek Mir Human Center is equipped with two family shower rooms of approximately 9 square meters and two family changing rooms of approximately 10 square meters, as well as men's and women's restrooms for people with disabilities measuring 11.5 square meters to facilitate accessibility.

The family shower rooms have shower heads installed at a low height so that people with disabilities, elderly individuals, and children can use them conveniently. Folding chairs are available on the walls, and diaper changing tables for adolescents and adults are also provided.

Mayor Lee Sang-il of Yongin said, "Out of consideration for families with disabilities, Dongbaek Mir Human Center's swimming pool is equipped with family shower rooms, changing rooms, and restrooms for people with disabilities," and added, "Swimming is a sport loved by both people with and without disabilities. I hope citizens can now enjoy swimming at Dongbaek Mir Human Center without disability distinctions, which can help with rehabilitation and exercise."