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New Rules, Safety Standards, Legal Duties and More
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Rising child drownings prompt Dubai to tighten pool safety regulations for villa communities and private homes
As villa communities grow and private swimming pools become more common in Dubai, health and civic authorities are raising alarms over an increase in drowning incidents—particularly involving children under five. In response, Dubai Municipality has introduced stringent regulations aimed at reinforcing pool safety and reducing preventable tragedies, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Recent months have seen a number of heartbreaking cases. On April 5, six-year-old Ayanvit Chhaparwal, a finalist on UAE’s Got Talent, died after falling into a pool in Abu Dhabi. On June 27, a 15-year-old Sudanese boy drowned in Al Ain’s UAE University Olympic Pool. In Dubai, an Indian boy named Ali narrowly survived a drowning incident, leaving his family with over Dh100,000 in medical bills just days after arriving in the UAE.
Some tragedies highlight the risks of water bodies—whether swimming pools or even a bucket of water, as seen in the April 4 death of a two-year-old in Ras Al Khaimah
Dubai’s New Pool Safety Regulations at a Glance
- Mandatory Registration and Oversight
All private pools—including hot tubs, prefabricated spa pools, and even inflatable water bodies deeper than 300mm—must be registered with Dubai Municipality before construction or use. Any future modifications require formal approval.
- Clear Responsibilities for Owners, Builders, and Users
- Pool Owners must ensure their pools comply with design, safety, and hygiene standards, including regular maintenance.
- Contractors/Manufacturers must follow safety codes and use non-hazardous materials.
- Residents must supervise children and secure pools using barriers, nets, or covers.
- Physical Safety Requirements
Fencing must be at least 1.2 meters high, child-proof, and free of gaps. Safety covers should comply with ASTM F1346-91 standards and support two adults and one child. Rescue tools must be accessible nearby.
- Controlled Entry and Exit Points
Pool gates must open outward, be self-closing and self-latching, and have locks placed at least 1.5 metres above ground. Use of garage doors or automated gates as entry points is banned. Windows and balconies must have fixed safety features to prevent unsupervised access.
- Water Hygiene and Emergency Preparedness
Daily water checks for pH, chlorine, and temperature are mandatory, with deeper bi-weekly and bi-monthly testing protocols in place. CPR instructions, emergency contact numbers, and a stocked first aid kit must be available poolside at all times.
Supervision Still the Most Vital Safety Measure
Despite these comprehensive measures, officials emphasise that adult supervision remains the most effective protection.
“Safety begins at home,” the municipality says. “Teaching children to swim and never leaving them unattended near water can save lives.”
Residents can contact Dubai Municipality for assistance or to register their pool:
- Hotline: 800900
- Email: Safety@dm.gov.ae
