A NEW NATIONWIDE campaign aims to ensure that splashing around in swimming pools this summer remains a fun activity and not a recipe for disaster.
A co-ordinated effort involving all local authorities, government agencies and public safety bodies are determined to ensure families are aware of their responsibilities, alongside those who operate and provide facilities.
The campaign is spearheaded by the General Directorate of Civil Defence of the Interior Ministry in partnership with the Health Ministry, Bahrain’s three municipal councils and the Capital Trustees Board, and the Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RLSB).
“Most of the incidents of drowning involve the young,” said Capital Trustees Board technical committee chairwoman Huda Sultan. “It is a very tough task at hand ensuring safety at swimming pools due to the large number of people attracted to them,” she added. “However, every pool will be inspected thoroughly by the relevant authorities.
“It is also a public responsibility to have everyone adhere to safety requirements and to ensure the availability of all rescue and first aid devices and equipment.
“We call upon citizens and residents to take specific care monitoring children when they play in the water. Tragically, every summer drowning incidents are reported among the young and we need to do our best to prevent anymore happening this summer.”
Parents should be aware that some property owners with pools want to cash in on the summer demand by hiring out their facilities and have little regard to safety. Saving a few dinars on a day out may come at the cost of a young life.
“There are unlicenced swimming pools that are offering their services for cheap,” warned Ms Sultan, “and, unfortunately, there are a few licenced swimming pools that don’t fulfill all requirements throughout the season,” she explained.
One suggestion being considered is a pool grading system, along the lines of hotels and resorts, so that families can make informed choices and know when a facility not only abides by the rules but excels when it comes to health and safety provision. “We have suggested that a grade system be introduced for licenced swimming pools so people know exactly the quality of the pool they are planning to visit with friends or family,” she added.
The kingdom’s pioneering water safety agency – the RLSB – backed the latest initiative, citing its importance during the season when pool delights and water attractions act as magnets to little ones.
“The RLSB fully supports the campaign by the Interior Ministry to increase awareness about the importance of water safety as we head into the summer months where we typically see the highest number of accidental drowning incidents,” RLSB general manager Sam Rahman told the GDN. “A child can drown in as little as 20 seconds and we believe one life lost is too many. We would strongly encourage people to visit our website – www.rlsbahrain.org/itonlytakes20seconds – for free tips on keeping themselves and others safe while in and around water.”
The GDN earlier reported that a nationwide survey by RLSB revealed that despite living on an island more than 47 per cent of children in Bahrain did not know how to swim.
The Water Safety Benchmarking Survey also revealed that 95pc of children do not currently learn swimming at primary schools. The survey covered a representational sample of the population with 573 people taking part, 88pc of whom were Bahrainis.
The GDN had repeatedly reported during the summer season on safety campaigns backed by community groups and parliamentarians. “There is a shortage in the number of trained female lifeguards and that’s an issue considering that Bahrain is now highly regarded by families living here and tourists for its beautiful beaches, as well as its swimming pools,” said Mr Rahman. Before the RLSB was formed in 2016 the kingdom often registered on average between 16 to 20 drowning fatalities each year.
“Despite issues faced, we have not witnessed any drowning since 2019 at any beach that is under our monitoring. But, we want to secure all beaches with lifeguards and we are currently working with the Cabinet and municipal bodies on that,” he added.
“We have created 32 full-time lifeguard jobs so far and our plan is to reach 120. There is also a demand to have full-time lifeguard services in public parks with swimming pools such as Ayn Adhari, Ayn Qasari and Ayn Umm Al Shaoom, amongst other public facilities.”
The country witnessed seven fatal drowning tragedies in 2020, five in 2021, seven in 2022 and two in 2023. During the pandemic, restrictions were in place over family gatherings and pool parties but it is back to business as normal again this summer and the authorities are keen to raise awareness on several safety issues.
* For safety tips on swimming pools pleased visit the National Civil Protection Platform on nccp.gov.bh
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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