Odesa Reopens Beaches for Swimming as City Shakes off the Shadows of War

Odesa, Ukraine's Black Sea city, has recently seen the reopening of several beaches for swimming after being closed since the start of the Russian invasion. This decision comes as a relief for residents who have been longing for a return to normalcy amidst ongoing conflict. Previously, Odesa, the country's largest port and naval base, faced frequent missile and drone attacks, leaving the sea filled with hundreds of sea mines.

These hazardous conditions prompted the closure of the coastline to ensure the safety of locals. However, after assessing the situation jointly, the city's civilian and military administrations, led by Odesa Governor Oleh Kiper, have now allowed the beaches to be open for public use. To guarantee the safety of swimmers, an anti-mine net has been installed between two piers to prevent any encounters with shallow-water mines.

This precautionary measure aims to provide visible protection against potential hazards, with emergency workers promptly notified and ready to respond if needed. The reopening of the beaches has brought much-needed respite from the ongoing war for residents, who have expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to swim and enjoy the sunshine again.

One local resident, Svitlana, shared her joy, saying, "I have been dreaming of going to the beach and inhaling salty air. We have been missing it a lot.

But safety is a top priority." While the reopening of the beaches signifies a positive step towards normalcy, it is important to note that bathing is still prohibited during air raid alerts to ensure the safety of all individuals at the seaside. Nonetheless, this development brings hope to the city as it slowly rebuilds and restores the sense of peace and enjoyment that was temporarily disrupted.