A NEW proposal is gaining traction to address the rising public demand for swimming facilities while ensuring strict safety measures are maintained as Bahrain enters the peak of summer.
Northern Municipal Council vice-chairwoman Zaina Jassim is spearheading an initiative to allow unlicensed swimming pools to receive temporary commercial permits, provided they comply with a comprehensive safety checklist.
The move, aimed at mitigating the risks of drowning, injuries and health hazards, comes amid growing concerns over unregulated pool use during the hot season.
“We recognise that many people turn to private pools during the summer, but this must not come at the cost of safety,” said Ms Jassim.
“If unlicensed pools can meet a strict checklist covering health, construction, electrical safety and trained supervision, they should be granted conditional permits to operate temporarily for the season.”
The proposed checklist is extensive, covering general safety measures, specific pool conduct and structural and emergency preparedness protocols.
It includes:
l First-aid training or licensed lifeguards of both sexes available on-site;
l Clear signage and prohibition of diving in shallow areas;
l Proper drainage systems to prevent suction entrapment;
l Secured fencing and pool alarms to prevent unauthorised access;
l Continuous supervision and designated ‘water watchers’ during group activities; and
l Availability of rescue equipment and first-aid kits.
“Even something as simple as designating a responsible adult as a ‘water watcher’ can prevent tragedy,” added Ms Jassim.
“We’re emphasising education and proactive supervision, not just bureaucracy.
“Safety can’t wait.
“If we act now, we can prevent unnecessary accidents this summer, and provide a legal, safe way for more people to enjoy the water.”
The initiative is expected to spark a broader conversation about licensing reform and private sector participation in community recreational services.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif, who is raising a similar proposal within his own council tomorrow, expressed his strong support for the idea.
“This isn’t just about licensing; it’s about protecting lives,” he said.
“Many families and private pool owners want to help meet the growing summer demand, but they lack a clear legal pathway. If they can meet safety standards, we should enable them to do so responsibly.”
He noted that temporary permits, if properly enforced, could also help reduce the strain on public swimming facilities across the country such as Umm Al Shaoom, some of which operate at full capacity during the hotter months.
“The goal is to strike a balance between access and accountability. We want more swimming options, but not at the expense of children’s safety,” he emphasised.
Mr Abdullatif’s proposal outlines a series of measures intended to form the basis of the permit system:
General safety requirements include: Never swim alone; supervision is mandatory; no running or rough play near the pool; avoid distractions like phones while supervising; and learn CPR and emergency response techniques.
Specific conduct rules include: No diving unless the depth is marked; use of proper safety equipment only; not floaties as substitutes for life jackets; and no alcohol or drugs while swimming or supervising.
Structural and emergency measures include: Four-sided fencing with locked gates; pool alarms to detect unsupervised entry; clearly visible water and adequate lighting; and compliance with drainage safety regulations.
Meanwhile, Better Life Society president MP Ahmed Al Salloom, whose society is overseeing Umm Al Shaoom pool as a public service, expressed willingness to provide support for licensed swimming pools.
“The society has the resources and manpower to handle public pools that check every box in safety standards,” he said.
“We have started with the historic Umm Al Shaoom Spring Pool in Mahooz and are open to take more public pools under our wing meeting conditions.”
He said private pools could be provided with assistance whenever licences are granted, training and normal checks.
“We care about the well-being of the people who need to check that the pool is licensed before booking to avoid tragedy.”
A nationwide survey by Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RSLB) in 2019 revealed that more than 47 per cent of children in Bahrain do not know how to swim.
The Water Safety Benchmarking Survey also revealed that 95pc of children do not currently learn swimming in primary schools.
The survey covered a representational sample of the population with 573 people taking part, 88pc of whom were Bahrainis.
If a person is submerged after breathing in water for four to six minutes without resuscitation, it will result in brain damage and eventually death by drowning.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))