Bengaluru: Following the death of two foreign nationals in a suspected electrocution at Conrad hotel’s swimming pool, Karnataka Swimming Association (KSA) plans to issue a comprehensive safety advisory to swimming clubs, educational institutions, hotels and other pool operators across the state.The association intends to cover electrical safety, proper earthing, periodic inspection of electrical installations, underwater lighting, filtration and pumping systems, availability of trained lifeguards, and emergency response arrangements. It will also emphasise first-aid facilities, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), regular safety audits, and proper maintenance records.KSA president and former IGP Gopal Hosur told TOI that the association was keen to work with the state govt and the departments concerned to strengthen the implementation of safety norms. “Karnataka Swimming Association can, at best, issue a comprehensive advisory on swimming pool safety. Safety cannot be treated as a one-time certification. It has to be a continuous process,” he said.Hosur proposed a joint initiative involving the sports department, municipal authorities, the electrical inspectorate, fire and emergency services, and other relevant agencies. Measures could include a survey and registration of swimming pools across Karnataka, mandatory periodic safety inspections and certification, and a uniform safety checklist for public and commercial pools.The association could also provide technical expertise in framing guidelines, conducting awareness programmes, and training personnel. However, statutory enforcement would have to rest with the appropriate govt authorities, he said.On whether the Conrad incident could have been prevented, Hosur said it would be premature to arrive at a conclusion before the technical investigation is completed. Authorities must establish the source of the suspected electrical leakage and determine whether there were deficiencies in installation, earthing, maintenance or safety systems.“Swimming pools are particularly sensitive environments where water and electricity can create a potentially fatal combination. Proper electrical design, effective earthing, functioning earth-leakage protection devices, periodic inspection by qualified professionals and strict maintenance protocols are essential safeguards,” he said, adding that lifeguard presence and emergency preparedness were equally important but could not substitute for electrical safety.
