NAROWAL: Private swimming pools and parks operating in the district are a great respite for the loadshedding-stricken public to fend off the summer heat. They, however, arrangements, such as the availability of swimming instructors and rescuers to meet any eventuality.

On May 29, Muhammad Rehan, 10, of Pahgala Morr in Shakargarh, drowned in a swimming pool near Mansura Morr. The pool management does not provide life jackets to the visitors. Rehan was not provided first aid on the premises.

There are more than 20 private sector swimming pools and parks in the district. Dawn learned these recreational places do not follow standard operating procedures. As per government instructions, these places should have first aid arrangements in case of accidents. Several children and civilians have been injured in swimming pools, who were later treated as private and government hospitals.

No government department has any updated data on private swimming pools and parks. An operator of a swimming pool said no department was responsible for the regulation of swimming pools. Even though these facilities charge visitors, Excise and Taxation Department does not have a working relationship with parks and pools.

Departments like District Civil Defense Department and District Revenue Department also refuse to regulate private parks and swimming pools.

A visitor to swimming pools said the management charge them entrance and locker fees. Owners sell the waste water to the owners of nearby farms. The death of Rehan on May 29 worked as a wake-up call for the administration.

Deputy Commissioner Imtiaz Shahid Gondal said he would take action against the people responsible for the death of the minor boy. He, however, was unaware of the incident.

“I don’t know what SOPs of private parks and swimming pools are,” he said, adding that he would get information about which department deals with private parks and swimming pools. He said he would seek a report from the Shakargarh assistant commissioner and would take stern action against those responsible in accordance with the law.

Citizens protested against illegal recreational facilities in the district and the incompetence of the district administration Narowal. They demanded Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz look into the issue.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2022