Moscow building an urban beach for people who can't swim

Moscow isn't know for its sprawling beaches but thousands flock to the lakes during the hot summer months. (AP)

Millions love to feel the sand between their toes as the weather heats up but going to the beach is a real drag if you’re worried about drowning.

Moscow’s tourism agency has come up with a solution for fearful would-be beach goers—a special beach designed for people who can’t swim.

According to Russia’s Sputnik News (via RIA Novosti ), the city is creating an urban beach area with special aqua zones that are no deeper than than 4 feet and protected by buoys to keep watercraft away from visitors and warn non-swimmers that they may be wading into unsafe territory.

"We are definitely planning an area for children, and for adults who can't swim. The depth will be no more than 1.2 meters and it won't extend more than 15 meters [50 feet] from the coastline," said Vasiliy Maryan, head of Moscow's aquatic search and rescue team, told RIA Novosti.

Motorboats and other vessels will have to stay at least 160 feet away from the special swimming zone.

But there are numerous reported incidents of children and adults drowing in shallow waters-- and even bath tubs-- so the zone won’t be a failsafe for all.

After long, cold winters, Moscow’s lakefront beaches are popular summertime tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors each season.

Maryan did not say where the shallow beach was being built but said the site would be open for visitors later this summer.