Two recent child deaths in swimming pools have raised serious concerns over safety standards and the lack of trained lifeguards at public and private facilities.
In the first incident, an 8-year-old boy died after falling into the pool at the Colombo Swimming Club earlier this week. His father has lodged a complaint alleging negligence by the club, claiming that no certified lifeguard or life-duty personnel were on watch when the accident occurred.
In a separate case, a 5-year-old preschooler drowned during a swimming lesson at a private school in Mirihana. Police said the child was taking part in a routine class when he went missing in the pool. He was later pronounced dead at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital.
Authorities are investigating whether proper supervision and life-saving measures were in place at the time of the tragedy.
Officials say most pool facilities in Sri Lanka operate without qualified lifeguards, and routine safety inspections are rarely conducted.
Experts warn that every swimming pool, regardless of size, should maintain constant supervision and proper emergency response equipment. (Newswire)