A seasonal inspection campaign targeting commercial swimming pools across the Muharraq Governorate has once again been launched as the summer season starts to sizzle.
The campaign, run by the governorate, aims to ensure compliance with public safety and environmental health requirements as part of commitments to provide a safe environment for families during the summer holidays.
Muharraq Governor Salman Bin Hindi stated that the committee responsible for monitoring swimming pools has commenced its field inspections in accordance with a scheduled plan.
“These inspections are being done in co-ordination with representatives of relevant ministries and official authorities,” said Mr Bin Hindi.
“They are intended to verify that establishments comply with legal, health and safety requirements, and to take the necessary legal action against establishments found to be in breach of the regulations or operating without a licence.
“The campaign focuses on verifying the availability and operational readiness of public safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, first-aid kits and life-saving equipment.
“It also includes inspecting electrical systems and gas pipelines, as well as ensuring that swimming pool water is clean and safe through regular testing, thereby safeguarding visitors and enhancing safety and security standards at these establishments.”
The National Civil Protection Platform urges citizens and residents, for the sake of their own safety and wellbeing, to take steps if they choose to rent swimming pools for the summer.
Before renting a pool, people should ensure that the provider is licensed and that the water is clean and sterile.
Ensure that safety equipment, life jackets and first-aid supplies are available, electrical connections are safe and that fire extinguishers are found in an easy to reach location.
The authorities recommend recording the location and address of the pool on your phone for use in case the emergency services need to be alerted.
Experts also urge adults to properly supervise children and to avoid silly antics that can turn dangerous when playing in the water.
The GDN reported last month that 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 swimmers.
Health Ministry Water and Institutional Sanitation head 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.
He said that all public pools should have a guidance board outlining the rules and safety procedures that people can refer to at any time.
He recommended that these guidelines be put in every pool area and that people should follow them for their own safety.
Mr Alrayes confirmed that the Health Ministry will continue to 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.
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