Two thirds of swimming pools without license – archaic law to be revised

An archaic legal framework surrounding swimming pools means two thirds of pools in Cyprus do not have a license but still continue to operate, increasing risks of drowning, MPs at the House interior committee heard on Thursday.

Currently, out of 1,200 swimming pools, 800 of them do not have the necessary permits.

Deputies discussed a bill aimed at bringing the law up to speed as it is currently “archaic”, dating from 1992.

“We live in a country which is a tourist destination. This is a very serious matter,” Akel MP and committee chairwoman Marina Nikolaou said.

The new law being discussed seeks to categories pools into three different types and aims to make inspections much more stringent, she specified.

“For years, the House interior committee has been discussing this legislation because we recognise its importance, particularly where safety is concerned.”

The proposed legislation will help both the business world and swimmers, Nikolaou said.

Disy MP Nikos Sykas underlined that out of 1,200 pools, there are 800 without a license.

“Our priority is to save lives. There should be responsibilities taken up, and punishment to those who don’t do their job properly.”

Sykas added that the matter should be subject to better legal regulation as human lives are at risk.