Clearer guidelines on safety at private pools proposed
The Star 2/8/2005

PENANG: Is there a need for clearer guidelines covering safety at private swimming pools?

Yes, said Penang High-rise Unit Owners Association president Assoc Prof Dr Tiun Ling Ta.

The authorities should make it compulsory for all condominiums to station lifeguards at swimming pools, he said, noting that this was not required for private and residential pools under the Uniform Building By-Laws at present.

“There are no lifeguards or even a lifebuoy at most swimming pools in condominiums,'' he said in an interview yesterday.

He was commenting on the death of eight-year-old Bianca Thio Yee Shen, who drowned on Saturday when her left leg was trapped in a drainage hole of the Kelana Mahkota condominium pool in Kelana Jaya.

It was reported that the suction at the hole was so strong that four men failed to pull her free.

Dr Tiun said the tragedy might have been prevented if there had been a lifeguard on duty, who could have switched off the power supply immediately.

When contacted, Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MPPJ) public relations director Haniza Abdul Hamid confirmed that safety standards of private properties did not come under the council’s purview.

“It is the responsibility of the management corporation to ensure that standards of safety within their properties are adhered to,” she said.

Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok agreed with her.

“For starters, there should always be a lifeguard present at the poolside. In terms of technicalities, there should be proper maintenance and regular follow-up checks.

“Swimming pools should be constructed according to specifications, and be monitored and regulated by the relevant authorities, for instance the local councils,” he said.

Meanwhile, MPPJ councillor Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou believed that local authorities, architects, engineers and management corporations had an equal role to play in setting safety standards.

“Everyone has to be involved. Perhaps it is time these standards are reviewed to improve safety features,” he said.

A Penang Municipal Council architect said although there were no specific guidelines on private and residential swimming pools, the council still looked into the safety of the design, drainage system and materials used.

“The approval for residential swimming pool is also at the discretion of local authorities,” he added.

Property management firm Robert Bench principal Robert Tan said maintenance of swimming pools at high-rise buildings was usually contracted out to other companies.

“Swimming pool maintenance companies should alert the building management if there is any defect in the pool that can pose a danger to users,” he said.

Tan added that it would be costly to station lifeguards at swimming pools.