Owners of public and private pools across the kingdom are being urged by a top health official to ensure that regular maintenance and cleaning is carried out in order to protect the well-being of families.
Health Ministry Head of Water and Institutional Sanitation Hussain Alrayes warned pool-goers to follow official guidelines in order to ensure they cool down in the summer safely.
Mr Alrayes stated that negligence could result in illness, slipping or drowning, and that pool safety is a collective effort between authorities and members of society.
Mr Alrayes
“As the days get hotter, people in the kingdom from all walks of life and all ages will flock to swimming pools across the country, be it public or private,” Mr Alrayes said in a national radio broadcast.
“It is important to not be complacent, because it can result in diseases or injuries due to accidents.
“Dirty or polluted water can result in inflammation of the eyes, ears and even skin.
“There is also an increased risk of slipping and drowning so it is crucial for pool owners to ensure that proper and consistent maintenance is done throughout the summer to avoid any tragedies.”
Swimming pool bugs, known as recreational water illnesses, are typically caused by swallowing, contacting or inhaling contaminated water.
The most common illnesses include diarrheal infections, ear infections, skin rashes and respiratory conditions.
In order to avoid swimming pool illnesses, experts recommend to never swallow water, keep ears dry, and avoid swimming with open wounds or diarrhea.
Always take a one-minute shower with soap before entering the pool, and promptly change out of damp swimwear to prevent skin and urinary tract infections.
Mr Alrayes stated that all public pools should have a guidance board outlining the rules and safety procedures that people can refer to at any time.
“These guidelines should be put in every pool area,” he said. “People should always follow them for their own safety.
“It is very important for pool-goers to avoid running and playing roughly at the poolside because that is where the risk of slipping increases.
“If you get tired while swimming, take a break.
“Keep not only your surrounding environment clean, but also the pool itself.”
Mr Alrayes confirmed that the Health Ministry will run inspections of public pools to ensure they are safe for swimmers. Samples will be collected from water and tested in laboratories for germs, urine and pollutants and to check chlorine levels.
Inspectors will also check the availability of lifesaving equipment such as reach poles, ring buoys and an easily accessible first-aid kit.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry also released guidelines for citizens and residents to follow when renting private villas with swimming pools.
The ministry recommends ensuring first and foremost that the pool is licensed, clean and sterile. Ensure that safety equipment, life jackets and first-aid supplies are available.
Ensure that electrical connections are safe and that fire extinguishers are available, and record the location and address of the pool in your phone for use in case of need.
Children, at all times, should have constant adult supervision as it can take seconds for a child to get into trouble and drown.
For those with portable pools in their homes, they should follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and the approved specifications.
Ministry officials are expected to intensify inspections shortly to ensure they are being run safely and in line with the necessary guidelines.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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