As the rising temperature drives people in Pingtan county, Fujian, to bathing beaches, some residents say they want to have an alternative option – to swim indoors.

The majority of swimmers in the sea are adult males, according to a survey report by Pingtan.gov.cn, the county government's website, adding that females and children prefer to play along the beach.

Parents are concerned about unsteady waves and strong winds at natural bathing beaches, which they think could be a hidden danger for their children, said the report.

Currently there is only one legitimate natatorium in Pingtan, according to Li Liyun, an official from the local health supervision institution.

The indoor swimming pool at Qilin Hotel hasn't obtained any license from authorities and the price – 100 yuan per person ($16.31) - is too expensive for most people. An outdoor swimming pool at Forest Park is also running unauthorized, he added.

As the sole option for indoor swimming in Pingtan, the Cuiyuan natatorium attracts many people. But the condition of facilities hasn't met the market's demand, and some swimmers also complain of the water quality as well as the smell of disinfection water.

"I hope there will be more natatoriums in Pingtan. Then we can switch options at times," said Ms Wang, adding that the competition between natatoriums will push the quality of water and services, which will no doubt benefit people.

"It will be perfect if they build more facilities such as a water park in the natatorium," said Mr Zhang, adding that his child loves playing on water slides.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Micheal Thai