A group of 'mermaids' has recently been seen gracefully swimming in the Kaohsiung International Swimming Pool, attracting widespread attention. This was due to Kaohsiung City Councilor Cheng Meng-ju's visit on the 27th, accompanied by mermaid diving and underwater dance trainees, as well as diving instructors, to inspect the 5-meter deep pool. The purpose was to evaluate how the facility has been utilized since opening for public and group applications for specific aquatic activities and training. Councilor Cheng also listened to feedback from instructors and trainees regarding facility conditions and training environments, aiming to balance athlete development with safety management while promoting diversified use of public aquatic facilities.

Cheng Meng-ju, who has long advocated for aquatic sports development, stated that the completion of renovations at the Kaohsiung International Swimming Pool has enabled the 5-meter deep pool to be opened for public and group applications for specialized training. This marks the gradual realization of her previous proposals made during municipal general questioning, allowing the valuable public deep-water resource to support a broader range of aquatic sports beyond fulfilling training needs for national and city-level athletes.

Cheng pointed out that mermaid diving combines freediving, core strength, and underwater physical aesthetics, while underwater dance blends dance and freediving. Both sports require sufficient depth, a stable environment unaffected by weather, professional instructors, and comprehensive safety management. Therefore, the opening of the 5-meter deep pool holds significant importance for promoting these emerging aquatic activities.

She emphasized that the Kaohsiung International Swimming Pool is a major international-standard aquatic facility in southern Taiwan, equipped with competition pools, diving platforms, a 5-meter deep pool, and an outdoor practice pool. After its 2024 renovation, it not only continues to serve international competitions and athlete training but also possesses the conditions to promote diverse aquatic sports.

Cheng, who serves as Chairperson of the Kaohsiung City Sports Federation's Canoe and Dragon Boat Committees, has long promoted grassroots athlete development in aquatic sports. Through initiatives such as parent-child canoeing and parent-child dragon boat events, she encourages public engagement with water environments and promotes correct water safety awareness. Holding certifications in diving, jet skiing, and heavy sailing, and having participated in dragon boat and canoe competitions, she places particular importance on training environments and safety systems.

Recalling that the 5-meter deep pool was previously used mainly by national teams, city representative teams, and firefighting and rescue units, Cheng mentioned that during the previous municipal general questioning, she proposed allowing diving and related aquatic sports groups to apply for access, provided it did not interfere with competitions or athlete training. She subsequently convened on-site inspections with the Bureau of Sports Development, diving rescue associations, and instructors to discuss facility usage and safety measures.

Cheng emphasized that she will continue collaborating with the Bureau of Sports Development to collect feedback from instructors, trainees, and user groups. Under the principle of 'prioritizing athlete training and uncompromising safety management,' she aims to continuously optimize access schedules and usage regulations. Her vision is for the Kaohsiung International Swimming Pool to become not only a key base for competitive athlete development but also a vital hub for emerging aquatic sports such as diving, mermaid diving, and underwater dance.

She added with a smile, 'In the future, if you want to see mermaids, you might not need to go into fairy tales—just visit the Kaohsiung International Swimming Pool.'

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  • Source: PR Times
  • Category: Event