At Nandanam, citys first retains its charm

CHENNAI: The city got its first swimming pool in 1942 at the YMCA College of Physical Education at Nandanam. Built in the time of the institution’s founder, Harry Crowe Buck, the 25 metre-pool retains its charm — with few minor changes.“Many people offered to renovate the pool to meet international standards but we decided to retain the heritage structure,” says R Sweety Prem Kumar, correspondent and secretary, YMCA College of Physical Education, which was built in 1921.Located in a corner of the lush green campus in the heart of the city, the pool — with the depth ranging from four to six feet and 10 feet at the diving area — was first opened with an aim to include swimming to the teacher’s training curriculum. Later, it became a well-known exercise spot for many film stars.According to college authorities, scenes in popular Tamil films like Pattinathil Boodham, starring Jaishankar, K R Vijaya and Nagesh, Johnny starring Rajinikanth, Jai Hind starring Arjun, Goundamani and Senthil, were all shot at the swimming pool. Army, police and Coast Guard personnel too train at this pool.Except for a few minor changes, the college authorities have maintained its basic structure over the years. Unlike other swimming pools in the city, which have motors to treat the water in the pool, the college has retained the old mechanical system of filtering water. “We have a separate room for filtering. We have a bore to get water for the pool and it is treated with chlorine. Earlier we used sand and coal to treat the water,” explains S Johnson Premkumar, assistant professor.Summer camps are also conducted at the swimming pool and the college has plans to explore new areas, as they will soon launch lifeguard training. “We want to increase the participation of people especially youngsters,” the correspondent says.