Dive in to swim lessons

AS the weather heats up and pools around the kingdom become tempting attractions for youngsters, GulfWeekly has teamed up with a major water park to offer parents the chance to ensure their loved ones do not become a tragic summer drowning statistic.

Lost Paradise of Dilmun (LPOD) Water Park swimming instructors are offering a 30-minute FREE assessment lesson to GulfWeekly readers saving between BD10-15 per individual on normal fees charged.

Simply cut out the voucher attached on the front page and groups of six can receive nine one hour follow-on sessions with highly-qualified teachers for just BD45 each ... plus the chance to receive an exclusive 20 per cent discount off the price of enjoying the attraction's facilities afterwards.

Although the campaign is primarily aimed at children, parents and carers who would like to learn to swim can also make use of the cut-out-and-keep voucher, right.

Adam Page, LPOD's head of marketing, said: "We're delighted to join in GulfWeekly's community campaign aimed at helping to saves lives. We have to do everything possible to ensure there are no pool tragedies in the kingdom this summer."

Last year government officials and police urged parents to be more vigilant after two children died. A two-year-old drowned during a family picnic at a private pool after she fell into the water while her family, all non-swimmers, were just a few feet away. Her death came only six days after a 10-year-old drowned in the sea, while swimming with his brothers.

Shortly afterwards a child with a party of teachers welcoming new colleagues and their families to a leading independent British-curriculum school was spotted floating on the surface of the pool at a popular expat club.

A teacher trained in resuscitation techniques was able to revive the girl who was taken to hospital. Fortunately, she fully recovered from her ordeal.

The incident prompted GulfWeekly to back a campaign for the community to adopt an innovative 'Water Watcher' scheme. It was the brainchild of a former nurse who ran first aid courses in the kingdom and urged parents to nominate an adult to supervise children in pools, at all times, on a rota basis.

GulfWeekly's Editor Stan Szecowka said: "Parents must always be alert to the dangers of pools and I passionately believe children should be offered the chance to learn how to swim.

"It's an essential 'life skill' particularly in this part of the world where swimming pools are on almost every compound and apartment block as well as in hotels and clubs. The LPOD offer of a free assessment lesson is a fabulous gesture and I urge readers to take it up."

To make a reservation for an assessment lesson simply call 17845100 and take the voucher with you to hand into reception on the day arranged to receive the special offers.