Lifeguards at swimming pools and lidos

It is sad when someone passes away, especially if there was a chance that life might have been saved with adequate expertise at hand.

The presence of a lifeguard on deck in pools of major hotels, sports centres and public swimming places has long been discussed; however, nothing has been done to encourage the owners of these establishments, or the authorities, to ensure that adequate qualified human resources are manning these areas.

I know too many of these places, frequented by children, elderly and/or people with difficulties to enjoy, learn or benefit from the therapeutic value of water, which do not have adequate qualified supervision. It seems that the cost of a pool-side sandwich board absolving them of all responsibility is far cheaper than the cost of a lifeguard.

If places like the Tal-Qroqq National Pool and Inspire (previously Ir-Razzett tal-Ħbiberija) take on the operation of a public pool with the responsibility of providing this supervision, why should others opt out?

Do we have to wait for more people to drown or have accidents before enforcing such health and safety measures?

I would, however, put the onus of responsibility on the owners who charge fees to use these pools or lidos, before expecting the authorities to force the issue through legislation.

That is, if they care about the welfare of their customers...