AP to set up water sports training base in Vizag

Andhra Pradesh will soon have a water sports training base in Visakhapatnam to train staff in managing tourists on the beaches.

It will also be used to train aspiring water sports.

The Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority (SAAP) and Livein Adventures are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding in the coming days.

Currently, the staff, who manage the water sports activities on the beaches, are trained by the Goa National Water Sports Institute, who visit Visakhapatnam for a month. Many people travel to other states to take certified water sports courses.

“We need fully trained and authenticated staff to manage water sports activities in the state. From lifeguards to beach wardens, from diving coaches to tide surfing, we need qualified staff. Through this water sports training base, we will train staff in water activities. Those interested in a certified course can also receive training here, ”said Balaram, director of Livein Adventures.

Once the base is started in Vizag, coaches from other states will be deployed for training. Training will also be provided in disaster response, deep diving. While Vizag will be the main training base, the teams will also travel to other districts as needed.

110 bodies of water identified in the state:

A total of 110 water bodies across the state have been identified by the Andhra Pradesh Sports Authority (SAAP) to develop as adventure sports activities. These include scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and yachting on the beaches.

Water bodies include beaches, river ghats, ponds and reservoirs. SAAP Chairman Byreddy Siddharth Reddy visited Vizag and scuba diving at Rushikonda Beach. He also interacted with local sportsmen.

SAAP also obtained a Certificate of No Objection (NOC) from the tax, irrigation, forestry and tourism authorities to begin the works.

SAAP would first develop four main water bodies in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Vijayawada and Kurnool, which already have basic infrastructure. These bodies of water will host water sports activities including scuba diving, sailboats, tidal surfing, open water swimming and many more.