Shaikh Nasser gives directives to ensure swimmers’ safety

Manama, May 18 (BNA): Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has been following up closely on the drowning of a Bahraini youngster in the swimming pool of private sports hall in Riffa, as part of his interest to be informed about the causes of the death. HH Shaikh Nasser gave directives to the Youth and Sports Affairs Minister, Hisham bin Mohammed Al-Jowdar, to follow up on all the details of the regretful incident, and to take all the necessary administrative procedures. HH Shaikh Nasser also instructed the minister to contact the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister to take the necessary measures to stop swimming activities at the sports club in which the incident happened until the Interior Ministry’s investigations into it are completed and results are announced. HH Shaikh Nasser also gave directives to verify whether the the health and safety requirements are met at the swimming pool. He also gave directives to review the health and safety requirements at the swimming pools and make sure they are in place to ensure the safety of swimmers and avoid similar regretful incidents. HH Shaikh Nasser also instructed the Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry to ensure that all swimming pools meet the health and safety requirements, most notably the existence of a rescue platform, trained rescuer and first aid specialist and equipment. Youth minister, following HH Shaikh Nasser’s directives, contacted the Industry Ministry to stop the swimming activities at the club until the end of the investigations carried out by the Ministry of Interior. The relevant departments at the youth, industry and interior ministries have reviewed the health and safety standards at the swimming pool in which the incident happened, as well as other swimming facilities in the kingdom.