Urgent instructions on swimming pool maintenance sent to schools

All principals of schools with swimming pool facilities had been sent an urgent order to clean and ensure continuous maintenance as overlooked pools pose health risks, the Education Ministry said.

The Education Ministry Sports Director Daya Bandara told Education Times, he sent instructions to school principals after receiving information that some pools are not maintained due to the lockdown.

“There is a possibility of mosquitoes breeding as the monsoon rains have begun and stagnant contaminated water can trigger infections. Once the curfew is lifted, the quality of water should be checked thoroughly before allowing students to use swimming pools,” Mr Badara said.

A copy of the instructions had been sent to the Sri Lanka Schools Swimming Association to make sure the pools are cleaned before resuming any water sports or swimming meets.

Sri Lanka School Swimming Association Secretary R. M.

Krishan Duminda said there are 82 school swimming pools in the country, both in government and private schools and a majority are in the Western province followed by Southern and Central provinces.

“As the Western province was severely impacted due to the curfew, it is important to thoroughly clean and maintain swimming pools. Daily checking of ph. levels should commence once the curfew is lifted by pool managers. Principals can obtain support from the Water Board to get officers to check the water quality,” he said. (NF)