Dangers at the deep end
The Star 21/8/2006

PENANG: Swimming is a good form of exercise and recreation but those plunging into a swimming pool should be able to swim well before going into the deep end.

Malaysia Lifesaving Society advisor Teoh Teik Lee said swimmers should avoid swimming in the deep end if they are unable to tread water.

Teoh said that in most cases, either pool attendants or “bronze medallions” (certified lifesavers) were employed to keep watch over swimmers in public pools.

“A bronze medallion cannot be called a lifeguard. A proper lifeguard is a person who has an open water or pool certificate.

“A qualified lifeguard is not only taught lifesaving techniques but also trained on crowd handling and identifying potentially risky swimmers.”

Teoh suggested that it would be better for those who could not swim well to use floaters when going into the water.

“Think safety first and don’t be embarrassed to use a floater if you don’t know how to swim,” he said.

He added that parents should also keep a close watch on their young children.

A check by The Star showed that while all public pools engaged lifeguards some hotels did not have them stationed at their swimming pools. Condominiums also did not have a provision for such personnel.

A spokesman for a five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur said they had a bronze medallion to man their pool.

“But when he is on leave, we will use a pool attendant as a substitute. We will also inform the guests.

“In some cases, we will also advise guests to swim at the shallow end if we find them unable to tread water,” she added.

House Buyers Association secretary-general Chang Kim Loong said parents must be responsible for their children’s safety at swimming pools in condominiums.

“Condominium dwellers also have to follow the terms and conditions set out by their management committees.

“There are in-house rules at condominiums that do not employ a lifeguard,” Chang said.