Polluted water and a lack of safety measures in privately-run swimming pools in Bahrain could see ‘fun turn to tragedy’ this summer.

That was the stark warning from Health Ministry Public Health Directorate water and enterprises sanitation supervisor Abdulnabi Salman, whose team of inspectors have visited 50 private pools in Bahrain since June 1, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

He told the GDN that violations had been uncovered at seasonal private pools located in farms and gardens, which usually only operate during the peak summer months of June to August.

However, he did not reveal how many violations had been found or who the violators were.

“The violations included polluted water in the pools, high chlorine or a lack of it, shortfalls in health and hygiene standards and a lack of facilities as per standards set by the ministry,” Salman told the GDN.

“There were also violations such as pools without lifesaving apparatus or first-aid equipment and even some with exposed electrical wires.”

Two types of pools were being inspected during the ministry’s routine random summer safety checks, Salman said.

“The first are the permanent pools in hotels, tourist resorts, private civil and sports clubs, educational institutions, therapy centres, salons and spas,” he said.

“These pools are inspected all year round for their safety and health standards, while the second set are the seasonal swimming pools, which are more active during summer.

“These types of pools are located in places such as farms and gardens and are licensed by the public health department to be rented out after they meet all the required health requirements.”

Health inspectors check levels of bacteria in the water, as well as the provision of safety equipment and maintenance of the facilities, Salman said.

“We usually begin inspection campaigns before the start of the renting season,” he said.

“We have inspected around 50 swimming pools since June 1, with major violators referred to authorities, while others were issued 
warnings.”

Salman urged the public to be careful when going swimming.

“Pool owners must make sure that they abide by proper standards, which include maintaining the cleanliness of the pool and water, filters, drains, electrical connections and other health and safety measures,” he pointed out.

“The public should also be careful and check for these things when they hire pools.

“Pools should be equipped with steps to get in and out and there should be trained lifeguards available at all times.

“There should also be a proper storage place for chemicals required to clean the pool and clearly visible signs showing the depth of the pool as well as a full first-aid facility.”

Salman said that penalties for violations range from warnings to fines and in extreme cases, the closure of the pool. “Surprise visits are legal and after the first visit, warnings will be issued about any violations with a deadline set to rectify any shortcomings,” he said.

“On the second visit, fines starting from BD10 ($26) to BD20 could be imposed if the violations are still present.

“If the violations are still not rectified by the time of a third visit, the pool will be closed down and the owner referred to the Public Prosecution.”

The official concluded by urging parents to keep a close watch over their children while visiting a pool.

“It is always wise to be careful so that we can avoid summer fun turning into tragedy,” said Salman.  

The GDN reported last week on the death of two-year-old Hussain Ali Mahdi, who drowned on June 16 in a swimming pool at his Bani Jamra home. - TradeArabia News Service