Bahrain vacationers, safety first please

General Directorate of Civil Defense's Acting General-Director Colonel Mohammed Showaiter urged all Bahraini citizens and residents to closely observe their kids when near seashores or in swimming pools especially in view of large turnout by vacationing families and children to such dangerous locations throughout the summer holidays and he called for taking all necessary precautions, and for observance of safety instruction in this respect. The Acting director general of the general directorate of civil defense pointed out that directorate as part of its annual awareness program prepares for a nationwide orientation and safety campaign as summer approaches. The campaign comprises three stages namely: phase one invitation to ministries and relevant bodies concerned with swimming pools and seashores in order to attend coordination meeting with representatives from the Civil Defense Directorate, the Coastguard Command, Interior Ministry, Health Ministry, Industry and Commerce Ministry, Electricity and Water Authority to come up with a crystal-clear efficient and successful plan and proposed framework for cooperation between the various relevant bodies. Secondly: invitation to owners of swimming pools to inform them about the relevant applicable requirements for safety in swimming pools. Thirdly: after updating to dispatch a working team comprising representatives from the various relevant bodies in order to verify safety requirements and equipment in swimming pools. Below are some of these safety requirements: Minors can go to swim only when accompanied with parents or responsible adults. Children should wear protective life-vest suitable for swimmers Keep all toys out of sight when your kids are in a swimming pool. Avoid any kidding or dirty jokes when near or inside swimming pools. Do not touch or play with electric plugs, connections or electric equipment with wet hands. Ensure safety of swimming pool (quality of water, filters, tiling and cleanliness). Place instruction posters consciously for swimmers to read and observe. Ensure availability of Rescue Gear and First-Aid Toolkits. Watch out for hazardous electric cabling or plugs near swimming pool. Ensure presence of many fire extinguishers. Ensure SOS Telephone numbers are posted near swimming pools. Ensure presence of proper fencing around swimming pools to keep children away. The Directorate plans to carry out field inspection visits to swimming pools and other locations in order to get in direct touch with swimmers and holidayers anytime and wish everyone a nice and happy summertime holiday.