After more than two months of shut down, public and private swimming pools across residential and commercial zones have been allowed to reopen in Dubai from Friday by the administration. Along with swimming pools, water sports activities have also been permitted to resume in the city. The decision to reopen the swimming pools and water sports activities in the emirate was taken following the directives of Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, Dubai Sports Council and Dubai Municipality. In order to ensure safe and smooth operations, the municipality authorities have issued strict guidelines for the sports clubs and communities to follow to resume operations.

However, while swimming pools in health clubs/gym facilities, hotel facilities, recreation clubs, and residential and commercial areas are allowed to open, ban still continues on pool parties, pool bars, spas, sauna, jacuzzi, massage services, and social gatherings. At the same time, children are allowed to use the pool facilities under the strict supervision of adults and coaches throughout the time.

Here are some of the guidelines to be followed by the facilities and recreational centres:

Face masks and social distancing

Face masks or shields are mandatory for staff members, trainees and visitor, but they can be removed during swimming and water activities. Physical distancing of four-metre has to be maintained between individuals both inside and outside the pool. People from a group of no more than five members can sit together but there must be physical distance between two groups.Sunbeds must be kept a distance from each other and must be covered with an extra layer of linen. After every use, sunbeds must be fully sanitised and linens must be replaced with clean covers.

Temperature checks

A specified capacity of people using the pool has to be maintained by operators and constant temperature checks have to be carried out of every individual entering the pool area. Any person with temperature equal to or more than 37.5˚C should not be permitted to enter the pool. Furthermore, it is crucial that people with respiratory problems or chronic diseases are not allowed to enter the swimming pool areas.

Sanitisation of shared items

As per the guidelines, sharing of items such as goggles, nose clips and snorkels among people is strictly forbidden. Owners and operators are required to sanitise and disinfect touched surfaces and common areas regularly, along with the shared items such as lounge chairs, handrails, pool noodles, and pool side showers. Furthermore, the units have to keep adequate supply of common items in order to reduce sharing. Visitors have also been asked to not share food or toys with other people during the time they are at the recreational facilities. Installation of touchless hand sanitisers in all common areas has been suggested by the municipality authorities, along with proper ventilation and air conditioning system in indoor areas.

Water quality checks

At the same time, before opening the facilities to the public, water quality tests and deep cleaning must be carried out in a bid to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases. Municipality guidelines have specified the maintenance of chlorine concentration levels in the pools as well. Moreover, visitors and guests should not spit in the pool, cover their nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and must wash their hands regularly. They must bring their own towels and other cleaning equipment.

Isolation ward

An isolation room has to be arranged at every private or public swimming venue in case a suspected Covid-19 case is detected during checks. In order to ensure smooth functioning of operations and safety protocols, training should be provided to staff members to follow the new guidelines. The Dubai Municipality rules have also asked the pool facilities to stay closed if strict cleaning routine and social distancing rules cannot be maintained.

Registration for approval:

Swimming academic and aquatic sports centres willing to resume their business operations must get the approval from the Dubai Sports Council by registering through this link: www.dubaisc.ae/sportspermitundercovid19