Heightened Scrutiny on Swimming Pools

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The Ministry of Industry's Inspection Directorate has intensified its oversight of swimming pools in response to the seasonal surge in their usage. Daily field visits are being conducted to ensure adherence to health, safety, and licensing standards.

The Ministry has confirmed through its online platforms that these inspections span all provinces of the Kingdom, coordinated with various governmental agencies. Maryam Al-Hayki, a judicial officer at the Ministry, noted that the Ministry collaborates with multiple governmental bodies on these efforts. Pools found non-compliant face closure if issues are not rectified, with cases referred to the Public Prosecution.

Al-Hayki emphasised that obtaining licences involves specific procedures that ensure thorough compliance. The Inspection Directorate provides pools with time to address any deficiencies before taking closure actions. She encouraged citizens to report non-compliant pools via online channels for prompt action.

Saud Ibrahim, another judicial officer at the Ministry, stated that the Inspection Directorate ensures all safety and security requirements are met and enforces regulations to protect public wellbeing.

He explained, "Our supervisory role operates within an integrated inspection system, treating pools as commercial activities, ensuring the accuracy of trade name board data." He further detailed that pool licensing requires approvals from several entities, including the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture for property classification, the Ministry of Health for health standards, and the Civil Defence Directorate for safety requirements.

Ibrahim reiterated that the Inspection Directorate's supervisory role follows a comprehensive inspection framework, affirming that pool rental activities necessitate proper licences.