Every year in Italy, on average, 328 people die by drowning, a tragic statistics that forces us to reflect on the security measures necessary to prevent similar accidents.
A few days ago, a 7 -year -old boy lost his life in a swimming pool in Gallipoli, a case that brings back the issue of safety in aquatic structures.
In the face of this reality, in these hours the Council of Ministers has approved a bill on the swimming pools, with the aim of implementing new regulations.
Alarming numbers on drownings
According to Istat data, in Italy between 2017 and 2021, 1,642 deaths were recorded by drowning, with a worrying impact between children and adolescents. Among these victims, 206 concern people between 0 and 19 years of age, with a male predominance (81%) in childhood deaths. But the tragedy does not take place only in seas, rivers or lakes: domestic swimming pools are another scenario too often the scene of accidents. In particular, 53% of the drownings in swimming pools involve children under 9 years.
One of the most critical aspects underlined in the new bill concerns the lack of a homogeneous regulatory framework in Italy. Currently, not all regions have complete laws for safety in swimming pools, both public and private. The bill therefore proposes a state regulation that defines a “minimum protection standard” valid throughout the national territory.
#Negamenti400 every year, the recommendations for prevention
4 out of 10 are due to a sudden illness, especially in the over 60
2 out of 5 are due to return currents
All in the new ISTISAN report 23/15
https://t.co/deymlxjq6z pic.twitter.com/8ogmlqdldb
– Higher Institute of Health (@istsupsan) August 4, 2023
Domestic pools: obligation of safety devices
A central element of the DDL concerns safety in domestic swimming pools, commonly called “category B swimming pools”, and the obligation to equip these swimming pools with safety devices, such as insurmountable barriers or rigid sheets, to reduce the risk of drowning, as well as a life jacket for every 100 square meters. Although these devices may seem a fundamental protection, the cost of a complete security system can be quite high, with barriers that cost thousands of euros.
The DDL also provides for a strengthening of checks in public swimming pools. Each structure must have an internal supervision by the manager and an external control against the ASL. If irregularities are found during the checks, the ASLs may impose corrective and, in serious cases, arrange the closure of the system. Administrative sanctions are foreseen for those who do not respect the rules, with fines ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 euros, depending on the severity of the infringement. Among the most serious infringements include the lack of surveillance of bathers and the exceeding of the maximum number of people admitted to the pool.
Mandatory communication for domestic swimming pools
Private swimming owners will also have to respect new rules: in addition to guaranteeing safety and maintenance, they will have to communicate the start of the activity to the ASL. Failure to communicate will be sanctioned, with the intention of preventing unsuccessful swimming pools from becoming a threat to safety.
The bill aims to protect people’s lives, in particular the youngest, and to improve safety in swimming pools, a place that, unfortunately, too often turns into the theater of avoidable tragedies.
The next step would be implementing these laws with rigor and awareness, to ensure that no other life is lost due to negligence.
Sources: Council of Ministers / ISS
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