Bengaluru: Revived Kensington pool a big draw for swimmers
In 2003 the pool was drained out as there were complaints of water seeping in from nearby Ulsoor Lake.
Bengaluru: One of the city’s oldest summer attractions, Kensington Swimming Pool, has reopened after a nine-year break in the summer of 2017. Since then the pool has received a good response as it is located right next to the iconic Ulsoor Lake.
In 2003 the pool was drained out as there were complaints of water seeping in from nearby Ulsoor Lake. However, now most of its patrons are satisfied with its safety and hygiene standards,
Babu, a 39-year-old medical professional and a father said, “I have been here twice now and I am happy with the place. It is well maintained and clean and my child is also safe swimming here. I haven’t enrolled my son in any classes here; I come here for leisure and I am not a part of the academy which conducts classes here.”
Kensington Swimming Pool was taken over by Nisha Millet Swimming Academy, which conducts swimming classes here. The pool is patronized both by beginners as well as experienced swimmers.
Victor (25), a lifeguard and instructor, explained about the classes. “Earlier we used to take around 15 batches per day but now that has been reduced to seven. This is because summer is ending and many schools have already reopened or will start soon.”
As for hygiene, he said as the pool opens for the public in the evening also it becomes very crowded and hence maintaining hygiene becomes difficult. It is cleaned twice a week by a private company.
The pool is patronized by people of all age groups. When asked about the place, Sachin, said, “I have come here for some leisure time with my child. I like the place; it’s very good in terms of management and maintenance. I’m sure it is safe and hygienic too.”
The pool also evokes nostalgia among old timers. Forty-eight Raajan said, “It is wonderful to see this place back in action, I have too many memories of summers spent here. It was always delightful coming here, and it still is. Although the pool does get crowded sometimes in the evenings, it is still a nice place to visit. As for the hygiene of the place, I think it is clean, at least when there are fewer people.”