A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND open water swimming facility has been launched in Bahrain.
The Olympic Aquatic Complex at the Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach comprises a 50m 10-lane pool and a 25m eight-lane pool, continuously manned by lifeguards to ensure swimmers’ safety.
It has been constructed by the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), under the directives of Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first deputy chairman and BOC president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The complex will be managed and operated by Bahrain’s pioneer water safety agency – the Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RLSB).
The facility comes as a welcome relief as Bahrain swelters under the highest temperatures ever in almost three decades.
The GDN reported yesterday that the country registered a temperature of 48.7C on Monday – the highest in the last 28 years – at Bahrain International Circuit, defeating the previous highest of 45.7C recorded in 1993.
“We are incredibly proud to be working in partnership with the BOC to utilise this fantastic facility to offer a diverse programme of activities and opportunities for all members of the community,” RLSB general manager Sam Rahman told the GDN.
“While we expect the pool to be popular with triathletes and open water swimmers, we have designed a range of programmes to encourage families and recreational swimmers.”
Swimming is a much sought-after activity in Bahrain during summer, though this year unusual ‘apparent heat’ – or how one feels the temperature – is being reported, making people reluctant to hit pools and beaches.
The Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry’s Meteorological Directorate on Monday cited the rise was due to the hot and dry air mass from the light to moderate westerly to south westerly winds originating from the desert of Saudi Arabia.
Temperatures hit 46C yesterday and the forecast remains the same for today and tomorrow.
“Open water swimming has become increasingly popular in Bahrain over the last few years, but it can be dangerous, particularly when people swim in unsupervised areas, or go out alone,” explained Mr Rahman.
“This unique facility creates a safe environment for open water swimming, as the pool is fully lifeguarded by a team of internationally certified RLSB lifeguards at all times.
“It also has nets which prevent jellyfish and other marine life from entering. We are open and yes, it is a bit quiet now but will soon be an interesting place to beat the heat.”
The facility is now open for booking for programmes and activities catering to water sport freaks and families alike.
It offers multiple options – visitors can pay for a single visit, become members on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis or enjoy unlimited access.
Open six days a week, from 8am to 6pm on week days, and from 6am to 6pm on weekends, the pool is closed on Sundays for cleaning and maintenance.
“Our research has shown that four out of five people in Bahrain do not engage in any water-related activity,” added Mr Rahman.
“We believe this complex will enable people to build their confidence and enjoy the many health benefits of swimming.”
RLSB has also partnered with Tamarran, a Bahrain-based sports booking application, to help people book their activities in advance. The app can be downloaded on smartphones.
More information on the pool is available on @rlsbahrain.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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