Pools, hotel pools and wadis

Pools feel safe because the water is clear and still, and wadis feel peaceful after rain. Both still cause serious injuries and deaths every year. A few rules keep the fun without the risk.

Diving safely

• Public Health Seattle and King County advises never diving where there is a No Diving sign or where the water is less than 5 feet (about 1.5 metres) deep.
• Hitting the floor, wall or another swimmer can injure the neck or spine and cause permanent damage (King County).
• Starting blocks are only for trained swimmers (King County).
• Before you dive anywhere, check the depth markings and look for other swimmers. If in doubt, jump in feet first or use the steps.

Drains and pool equipment

• King County warns that pool drains create suction that can pull and hold a person. Grates are there to protect you, but it is better to stay away from drains entirely.
• Stay away from drains entirely, and do not let younger children play near them.
• Hair, fingers and swimwear can get caught on pool equipment. Tie long hair back.
• If a drain cover is missing or broken, get out and tell the pool staff.

Hotel and holiday pools

• RLSS UK warns that lifeguard standards outside the UK and Ireland can differ, so you may need to be your family's lifeguard.
• RLSS UK advises checking whether lifeguards are on duty at the pool and knowing who to call in an emergency.
• Read the depth markers and the pool rules on arrival, and find the life ring or rescue pole.
• Do not swim alone late at night when the pool is closed, and never after alcohol or drugs (King County).

Watching younger children

• Dubai Police advise keeping children under constant, direct supervision whenever they are in or near water.
• Do not rely only on lifeguards or armbands (Dubai Police).
• Abu Dhabi Police, quoted by Khaleej Times, named pools without rails and lack of supervision as major drowning risks.
• If you are the watcher, take turns with another responsible person so your attention never drifts.

Wadis, rain and flash floods

• Abu Dhabi Civil Defence warns people not to camp in wadis when rain or flash floods are possible, and not to cross flooded valleys by car or on foot.
• It also warns against swimming in valleys and water ponds, and asks parents to keep children away from them.
• The UAE Ministry of Interior has advised residents not to sit in or cross valleys and streams during stormy weather.
• Civil Defence warns that these sites can be wet mud pools, and advises throwing a rope or plank to help someone rather than risking your own life by going in.
• Before any wadi trip, check the forecast and official weather alerts, and leave immediately if rain starts upstream. See Emergency Preparedness at Home for flood alerts.