Inspections are being intensified at commercial swimming pools this summer to ensure they are being run safely and in line with business guidelines.
Inspectors at the Industry and Commerce Ministry (MoIC) have been visiting rented pools across all four governorates to ensure they are being used in a safe and legal manner.
The ministry is also highlighting procedures for applying for rental licences for swimming pools as part of the campaign.
“Like any commercial activity, renting swimming pools requires the necessary licences and commercial registration,” MoIC judicial officer Saud Ibrahim explained in a statement.
“First, a request has to be submitted through the Sijilat system and approval is required from a number of other government agencies.
“For example, the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry has to verify the classification of the property and building requirements.
“The Health Ministry needs to verify health requirements, while the Interior Ministry’s General Directorate of Civil Defence will have to monitor security and safety.
“All of these agencies are involved in licensing and monitoring swimming pools.”
Pools are also being inspected in co-ordination with relevant authorities on a daily basis to ensure there is no unlicensed activity.
The ministry stressed that it is illegal to rent out pools before authorities have granted the required licences for the commercial activity.
“In the event of a violation, we ask the violator to rectify the situation, and if they fail to do so, a case against the facility and owner will be filed with the Public Prosecution,” MoIC judicial officer Maryam AlHayki added.
“We understand that some procedures may take time for licences, however, all commercial pools must be in compliance with the law in order to operate.”
The ministry further highlighted the cases of several pool owners who discussed the process of licensing their facilities.
One owner advised all those who have a pool to get it licensed to ensure the safety of their families.
Another highlighted that because of the health and safety guidelines issued by the authorities, they leave a period of four hours between rentals to sterilise the pool, change the water and clean the surrounding facility.
The GDN has previously reported on the campaign launched at the beginning of summer to ensure safety at swimming pools.
Those interested in renting pools were warned 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.
The country witnessed seven fatal drowning tragedies in 2020, five in 2021, seven in 2022 and two in 2023.
Royal Life Saving Bahrain general manager Sam Rahman last year claimed that the highest number of drowning deaths in Bahrain occurred in illegal pools. He stressed the importance of informed decision-making as community members book private-hire pools for gatherings through social media in summer. He said unlicensed pools were often much cheaper as they don’t adhere to regulations.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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