Dogs and children swimming together

The improvement carried out to the stretch of beach between the Carmelite convent and Independence Gardens in Sliema is very much appreciated, especially the wooden ramp which has made access to the sea very safe for elderly people, children and disabled persons. A “well done” is in order.

However, may I appeal to the Sliema local council, or other authorities concerned, to do their utmost to strike a balance between dog owners, who want to take their dogs for a swim in this area, and us swimmers.

I do not feel safe letting a four-year-old swim next to a dog. They are both unpredictable.

May I suggest that the council designate an area where dogs may swim or allow a certain time for dogs to swim attended by their owners. Also, appropriate signs should be put up in this regard.

This area needs to be monitored by cameras as some irresponsible dog owners let their dogs dirty the area and also the sand, which can prove to be very dangerous especially to children. Thank you for the effort made to make our lives more pleasant and safe.