'Bay watch': AP to set up water sports training base in Vizag
A total of 110 water bodies across the state have been identified by the SAAP to develop as adventure sports activities. These include Scuba, diving, sailing, surfing, and yachting on the beaches.
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 23 Dec 2021 6:07 AM GMT
Andhra Pradesh will soon have a Water Sports training base in Visakhapatnam to train staff in handling tourists at the beaches.
It will also be used to train water sports aspirants.
Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) and Livein Adventures are likely to sign MoU in the next few days.
Currently, the staff, who are handling water sports activities on the beaches, are being trained by the National Institute of Water Sports, Goa, who visit Visakhapatnam for a month. Many people travel to other states to join the certified courses in water sports.
"We need fully skilled and authenticated staff to handle water sports activities in the state. From lifeguards to beach guards, scuba trainers to tide surfing, we need skilled staff. Through this water sports training base, we will train the staff in water sports activities. People interested in getting a certified course can also receive training here", said Balaram, Director of Livein Adventures.
Once the base starts in Vizag, coaches from other states will be deployed for training. Training will be also given in disaster response, deep diving. While Vizag will be the main base for training, teams will also travel to other districts depending on the requirement.
110 water bodies identified in the state:
A total of 110 water bodies across the state have been identified by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) to develop as adventure sports activities. These include Scuba, diving, sailing, surfing, and yachting on the beaches.
The water bodies include beaches, river ghats, ponds, and reservoirs. SAAP chairman Byreddy Siddharth Reddy visited Vizag and went scuba diving at Rushikonda beach. He also interacted with the local sportsmen.
The SAAP has also got a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Revenue, Irrigation, Forests, and Tourism authorities to get to start the works.
SAAP would first develop four main water bodies in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Vijayawada, and Kurnool which already have basic infrastructure facilities. These water bodies will handle water sports activities including scuba diving, sailboats, tide surfing, open water swimming, and many more.
