How to keep children safe in home pools in Dubai this summer

Dubai: With summer in full swing, families in Dubai are turning to private pools to beat the heat but safety must come first. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and Dubai Municipality says many of these tragic incidents happen in home pools. To help parents protect their children, the authority has issued safety guidelines aimed at preventing fatal accidents.

Safety guidelines for home pools

1. Always supervise children
Parents or guardians must ensure that children are never left alone in or near the pool. Constant adult supervision is essential, as drowning can occur silently and in a matter of seconds.

2. Ban running or jumping near the pool
Children should not be allowed to run or jump in the pool area. Wet surfaces around the pool can be extremely slippery, increasing the risk of serious injuries from falls.

3. Use life jackets for young or inexperienced swimmers
Floatation devices or life jackets should be available at all times and used by children who are not confident swimmers. These offer an added layer of protection.

4. Install safety barriers
Physical barriers such as fences, pool covers, and self-closing gates help prevent unsupervised access to the pool. These are especially important for households with toddlers or young children.

Keep pools clean and safe

The municipality also emphasised the importance of pool hygiene and maintenance to reduce health risks:

• Regular maintenance: Pool owners should inspect and maintain filtration systems and remove any debris to ensure a safe swimming environment.

• Drain and refill water: Stagnant water can host harmful pathogens. It’s important to periodically replace pool water to maintain hygiene.

• Monitor chemical levels: Proper chemical balance in the water such as chlorine and pH levels must be maintained to prevent skin irritation, eye discomfort, and infections.

Dubai hotels must enforce ban on under-fives in adult pools

Dubai Municipality has reinforced safety regulations for hotel swimming pools, including a strict rule that children under the age of five are not allowed to use adult pools even if accompanied by their parents.

Key requirements for hotels and hotel apartments

According to the circular, all establishments must comply with the following regulations:

• Children under five are prohibited from using adult swimming pools.
  This restriction applies regardless of whether the child is accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• Children must be accompanied by parents at all times in adult pool areas.

• Sufficient lifeguards must be on duty based on the pool size and number of users. Lifeguards must not be assigned to other tasks.

• Lifeguards must be properly trained and qualified in swimming pool supervision and rescue operations.

• Safety instructions must be clearly displayed in both English and Arabic in all pool areas.