Lake Public Pool Safety Overhauled — The public swimming pool at Rabindra Sarobar is scheduled to reopen within the next 10 days under a comprehensive safety overhaul, following the tragic drowning of a teenager in June. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), in consultation with Kolkata Police, has finalized a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent such incidents in the future.
Lake Public Pool Safety Overhauled: From Tragedy to Reform
The death of a 16-year-old boy at the Lake pool last month had shaken the city and prompted intense scrutiny of the facility’s operational gaps. Public outcry led to immediate closure of the pool and calls for greater accountability. Now, after weeks of review and discussion between authorities and stakeholders, the KMDA is introducing a new safety protocol prioritizing both prevention and response.
Key Features of the New SOP
The KMDA’s revised SOP for the public swimming area includes the following core provisions:
- Trained Lifesavers on Duty: At least two qualified lifesavers will be deployed during public swimming hours, sourced from nearby clubs or certified associations.
- Security Surveillance: Security guards will monitor entry and exit points and manage crowd control during peak hours.
- Police Presence: On-duty officers will remain posted in the vicinity for rapid response in case of emergencies.
- Demarcated Zones: Floating barriers will clearly mark the safe swimming areas, helping swimmers avoid deep or unsafe patches.
- Mandatory Entry Logbooks: Every individual entering the water will be required to register in a visitor log.
- Timed Access: Pool timings will be regulated — from 6 am to 10 am in summer and 7 am to 11 am in winter — with the last entry restricted to 30 minutes before closing.
- Prohibited Practices: Bathing with soap or oil is strictly banned to reduce slipping hazards.
All users will be required to acknowledge a disclaimer that swimming is at their own risk and that individuals who cannot swim should avoid entering the deeper sections.
Restoration and Clean-up Efforts
KMDA officials report that around 80% of the cleaning and desilting work is complete. The remaining tasks, including weed removal and clearing of floating debris, are expected to wrap up within days. Regular maintenance schedules and audits will be introduced to ensure the pool remains clean and safe post-reopening.
Public Response
Community members and regular swimmers have welcomed the move but emphasized the importance of consistent enforcement.
A local resident shared,
“It’s a relief that authorities are finally taking safety seriously. But the real test will be whether these rules are implemented daily — not just on paper.”
Environmental groups also urged for a sustainability audit to ensure that increased human activity doesn’t harm the lake’s ecosystem.
Lessons from the Past
This incident is not isolated. Several public water bodies in India, including swimming ghats and civic pools, lack proper lifesaving infrastructure. Experts have warned that:
- A lifeguard-to-swimmer ratio should be maintained (1:10 in most countries).
- Life-saving equipment (like life rings and poles) should be accessible from all entry points.
- Regular first aid training for security personnel is essential.
External Resources
For better public understanding and civic planning, here are some helpful resources:
- Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports – Swimming Safety Norms: https://yas.gov.in
- National Disaster Management Guidelines – Urban Flood & Drowning Prevention: https://ndma.gov.in
- Indian Red Cross Lifesaving Training: https://indianredcross.org
- Water Safety Guidelines by RLSS India: https://rlss.org.in
The Road Ahead
The reopening of the Rabindra Sarobar pool is not merely about resuming public access—it is a moment of reckoning for civic safety and accountability. While the new SOP marks a major step in the right direction, its success depends on transparent enforcement, regular audits, and sustained public awareness.
As the lake reopens, city officials, civic groups, and everyday citizens alike have the opportunity to turn a tragic chapter into a foundation for safer, smarter public spaces.
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