Surprise checks, trained lifeguards: Safety in condominium pools a growing demand

NCR residents stress on the need for more vigilance by parents, lifeguards and the management at society pools.

After a five-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool in a Gurgaon society, residents are suggesting ways to make swimming safer in housing societies

Safety in condominium swimming pools has become a major issue after several reports of accidents in different cities
‘As residents, we must respect rules and authority – be it lifeguards or security guards’
Ruhi Praladh*, who lives in a housing society in Noida and is mother of five-year-old twins, says, “Societies should invest in trained lifeguards, who are agile and alert at all times.Some hands-on training and surprise checks must be done by the society management. Lifeguards must not be allowed to use their phones during pool hours and a supervisor must be there with a calling facility available, in case of an emergency. As residents we must respect rules and authority – be it lifeguards or security guards.”
Sachin Kakkar, Gurgaon resident and professional swimmer, shares some things to keep in mind:

Ensure you or your child never enters a pool which doesn’t have a lifeguard
Children – and even adults who are not confident in water – need to inform trainers and the lifeguard team to be vigilant
Certification and expertise of the lifeguard team needs to be checked by AOA
Children below the age of five should swim in a separate pool
Lifeguards must advice those entering the pool to raise an alarm when they feel uncomfortable in water
Life-saving is a skill which even confident swimmers may not have. If you spot someone in need of help, quickly inform the lifeguards

"Our society has strict guidelines for the use of swimming pools. Swimming tubes as safety equipment must be easily available. After the recent incident, I request parents or attendants to always accompany the child and keep a careful watch on the child while they swim," Suruchi Bajaj, resident of a condominium in Gurgaon and Tanmay Dubey, a Gurgaon resident and Ironman 2024 finisher, says, "Swimming requires everyone to be extremely vigilant. Kids in the pool should always be accompanied by elders who are swimmers. Lifeguards should be certified, who are 100% alert during swimming hours."

End of Article