UAE: Drowning incidents on the rise? Official guidelines that pool owners must follow

With the rapid development of villa communities and the growing popularity of home pools, this convenience has unfortunately also brought increased risk — especially for children under the age of five.

According to the World Health Organisation, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death globally, a trend also mirrored across the UAE.

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The Emirates has seen several recent cases that underscore the gravity of this growing concern. On April 5, six-year-old Ayanvit Chhaparwal — a finalist on UAE’s Got Talent — died in Abu Dhabi after falling into a swimming pool and suffering a head injury. Just weeks later, on June 27, a 15-year-old Sudanese drowned during a swimming outing with friends at the UAE University Olympic Pool in Al Ain.

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In Dubai, an Indian family is now facing over Dh100,000 in medical bills after their son, Ali, nearly drowned in a community pool. The accident occurred only days after they moved to the UAE in search of a better life. 

In another heartbreaking case, a two-year-old child lost his life on April 4 after drowning in a bucket of water at his family’s home in Ras Al Khaimah’s Sidrouh neighbourhood — a stark reminder that even small amounts of water can pose fatal risks.

Tragically, these incidents are not isolated, nor are they mere statistics — they represent real lives lost or forever altered. Investigations by Dubai’s Health and Safety Department have revealed that most local drowning incidents involve unsupervised children.

It is more important than ever to follow the comprehensive safety guidelines designed to ensure the secure use of private swimming pools in residential areas.

These regulations apply to all private pools in residential villas across the emirate and cover any water feature deeper than 300mm, including hot tubs, inflatable pools, and prefabricated spa pools.

Here are the key safety measures and guidelines released by Dubai Municipality for pool owners, contractors, manufacturers, and residents:

Roles and responsibilities

The new regulations clearly define the duties of all involved parties:

• Owners must register pools with Dubai Municipality, ensure compliance with design and safety standards, and maintain regular upkeep.

• Contractors and manufacturers are responsible for constructing pools in line with safety codes, providing proper safety labels, and ensuring that materials used are non-hazardous.

• Residents or users are urged to supervise children at all times, maintain hygiene standards, and secure pools when not in use with enclosures, nets, or covers.

Key guidelines and requirements

Mandatory registration and approval
All private pools must be registered with Dubai Municipality before construction begins. Any modifications — such as adding diving boards or slides—also require prior approval.

Safety barriers and enclosures
Every private pool must be isolated from other parts of the house and protected with a secure enclosure, such as a wall or fence, at least 1.2 metres high.

These barriers should be climb-proof, child-resistant, and free of gaps or openings that small children could use.

Safety nets or covers are strongly recommended, particularly for households with young children. These must meet international safety standards (ASTM F1346-91) and be able to support the weight of at least two adults and a child. Equipment such as pool brushes or leaf scoops must be kept nearby for emergency rescues.

Secure entrances and restricted access

Access points such as gates must open outward, be self-closing and self-latching, and have locks placed at least 1.5 metres above ground level — out of children’s reach. Use of garage doors or automated perimeter gates for pool access is prohibited.

Windows overlooking the pool must have fixed security screens or limiters to prevent them from opening more than 100 mm, while balconies near pools must be fitted with child-proof barriers.

Hygiene, maintenance, and emergency readiness

Pool water quality is another important point of the guidelines. Owners are required to test water daily for pH, chlorine, and temperature, with more comprehensive checks every two weeks. Microbiological testing is mandated every two months to ensure health standards.

Emergency readiness is also emphasised. A CPR sign must be displayed near every pool, and essential contact numbers like those for police, ambulance, and civil defence must be clearly posted. First aid kits and safety equipment such as pool brush poles must be readily available.

Safety begins at home

While the regulations provide a solid framework for safer private pool environments, Dubai Municipality reminds residents that the most effective preventive measure is vigilant adult supervision. Teaching children how to swim, coupled with active oversight, remains irreplaceable.

For more information or assistance with registration and compliance, residents are encouraged to contact the Health and Safety Department of Dubai Municipality via their hotline at 800900 or email Safety@dm.gov.ae.

Elizabeth Gonzales

elizabeth@khaleejtimes.com

Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make the most of it. When she's not looking for new hacks to share with readers, you may find her giving them a real laugh at one of her stand-up comic events.