Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) has announced that compliance with the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation (GSPO) is now mandatory for all hotel and furnished apartment pool operators.

The GSPO was developed in partnership with Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RLSB), who are committed to prevent drowning-related death and injury and raise awareness of water safety across Bahrain.

Bahrain has an average of 16 drowning-related deaths each year, and there have been nine recorded drowning incidents this year alone. Produced by Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RLSB) in partnership with BTEA and representatives from other authorities, including Civil defense and the Ministry of Health (BTEA), the GSPO covers various aspects of swimming pool safety, and aims to ensure that all pools in Bahrain are operated in line with international best practice, and is designed to support pool operators with providing a safe swimming environment.
 
Establishments who wish to renew their license will now be required to produce an original Pool Safety Certificate from RLSB, which will be issued upon successful completion of an annual safety compliance audit. In order to assist pool operators in understanding which category of pool their facility falls under, the GSPO also identifies six types of swimming pools with RLSB providing further support in the case of uncertainty.
 
“Through our partnership with RLSB, we aim to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for all visitors, as safety and security are vital to providing quality in tourism. The implementation and enforcement of GSPO at all licensed swimming pools will aid us in strengthening the current safety measures in place and ensuring a safe and recreational water environment, further developing the kingdom’s tourism sector and promoting it as an ideal tourist destination,” said the director of Facilities and Tourism Services at BTEA, Hesham Al Saken.

“The GSPO, which has been developed over the last year, form a huge step forward for Bahrain. As an island nation, it is crucial that water safety is both promoted and practised, and that access to water is controlled. RLSB aims to ensure that lifeguards are trained to the correct standard and are equipped with the skills and equipment to effectively respond in the event of an emergency. We also provide people of all ages with the opportunity to learn basic swimming and safety skills at our swim academy, in a bid to provide individuals with the skills required to save their lives and those of others," said Sam Rahman, Safety Services executive at RLSB.

Royal Life Saving Bahrain is a charity registered under the Ministry of Social Development which aims to promote enjoyment and safe recreation of water. RLSB is also a member of the International Life Saving Federation, the world authority for drowning prevention, lifesaving and lifesaving sport. - TradeArabia News Service