13 Accessible Pool Facilities for Enjoyment in a Wheelchair

During summer, outdoor pools with a flowing pool and water slides are also open.

The operating period is generally from mid-June to mid-September, but the outdoor pool is only open daily during the busy period from late July to the end of August.

Outside of this period (mid-June to mid-July, early September to mid-September), the outdoor pool is only open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and is closed on weekdays.

Before visiting, please check the latest operating hours for your planned visit date on the "Operating Information" page of the Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool official website.

The indoor 25-meter pool with seven lanes is equipped with a slope, allowing entry into the water using a swimming wheelchair (one available for rental).

The water depth ranges from 1.2 meters to 1.4 meters, so please use it with a caregiver.

On the first floor, there are two accessible changing rooms, one for men and one for women, equipped with toilets, bathtubs, and showers, allowing for worry-free use.

Additionally, the spectator seating for the 50-meter pool includes a dedicated space for wheelchairs, promoting participation in sports for people with disabilities.

The Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool is also used as a venue for swimming competitions, and in 2014, it hosted the swimming competition for the "Nagasaki Ganbaranba Tournament," which included athletes with disabilities.

Nagasaki residents can have their usage fees waived for themselves and one caregiver by presenting a disability certificate.

Reference: Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool｜Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool
Reference: 【Barrier-Free】Nagasaki City Comprehensive Pool｜Nagasaki City Official Tourism Site

10. "Yokohama Rapport" with Elevated Pool for Easy Access

Located in Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, "Yokohama Rapport (Sports and Cultural Center for the Disabled)" serves as a hub for sports and cultural activities for people with disabilities.

The indoor heated pool, measuring 25m with 6 lanes, is maintained at 31°C for both room and water temperature, allowing for comfortable swimming year-round.

The pool is designed to be 45cm higher than the floor (the same height as a wheelchair seat), making it easier for wheelchair users and those with lower limb disabilities to enter and exit the water.

There is also a lift for pool entry and exit using a pool wheelchair for those with severe disabilities, and pool-specific wheelchairs are available for rent.

A shuttle bus with a wheelchair lift is also available from Shin-Yokohama Station, adding convenience.

参照：プール｜横浜ラポール

11. "Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled" with Shallow Course Options

Located in Kita Ward, Tokyo, the "Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled" is a sports facility exclusively for those with a disability certificate and their caregivers.

The indoor heated pool is 25m long with 6 lanes, and the water temperature is maintained around 31°C.

The poolside is designed for easy access from wheelchairs, and some lanes are set at a shallow depth of 0.7 to 0.9m, making it accessible for those who are not confident swimmers.

There is also a warming room and barrier-free changing rooms that can be used by caregivers of the opposite sex.

The indoor pool, which includes accommodation facilities, can be used year-round regardless of the season.

However, it is closed every Wednesday (or the following day if it's a holiday), the day after holidays, and during the year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3).

参照：館内施設案内｜東京都障害者総合スポーツセンター

12. "Adachi Ward Swim Sports Center (Ukiuki-kan)" Offering Assistance for Pool Entry and Exit

Located in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, the "Swim Sports Center (Ukiuki-kan)" is a ward-operated sports facility with a 25m, 9-lane heated pool.

Being an indoor heated pool, you can swim year-round without worrying about the weather.

Priority changing rooms, showers, and toilets for people with disabilities are available, and opposite-sex caregivers can also enter. Wheelchairs for poolside use are also provided.

Assistance is available for entering and exiting the pool, ensuring peace of mind for those who need help.

The facility has almost no steps up to the entrance, and barrier-free toilets and elevators are available.

Residents, workers, or students in Adachi Ward with a disability certificate can use the facility for free.

参照：バリアフリー情報｜足立区スイムスポーツセンター

13. "Mizumoto General Sports Center Gymnasium" Offering Wheelchair Rentals and Pool Entry Assistance

Adjacent to Mizumoto Park in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, the "Mizumoto General Sports Center Gymnasium" features a 25m x 8-lane heated pool (certified by the Japan Swimming Federation).

It also includes a walking pool, a children's pool, a jacuzzi, and a warming room, allowing for comfortable use year-round.

A notable feature is the availability of rental wheelchairs for use in the pool and showers.

Guidance to the poolside and assistance with pool entry are provided based on the needs of individuals with disabilities.

In conjunction with the Okudo General Sports Center in the same Katsushika Ward, swimming classes for people with disabilities are also held.

参照：温水プール｜水元総合スポーツセンター体育館

Introducing Initiatives for Creating Pool Environments Where People with Disabilities Can Swim Safely

So far, we have introduced pool facilities where wheelchair users can enjoy swimming, but the reality is that there are still many hurdles for people with disabilities to visit pools.

In response, the "Certified NPO Pool Volunteer" is working towards a society where people with disabilities and the elderly can go to pools just like everyone else, through various activities.

For example, they offer one-on-one swimming lessons for people with disabilities to share the joy of swimming. These lessons are tailored to each individual's specific disabilities and personal goals.

Additionally

Conclusion

Not too long ago, it was difficult for wheelchair users to enjoy leisure activities as a matter of course. However, recently, the concepts of universal design and normalization, which recognize diversity, have been spreading, and more pool facilities are becoming available where everyone can enjoy themselves with peace of mind.

This summer, why not take the plunge and head to the pool, even if you use a wheelchair?