KNP introduces new safety measures at pools
Swimming pool users in the day visitors areas, camps and staff villages of the park must now be 16 years of age and older.
MBOMBELA – People must now be at least 16 years old to be able to make use of swimming pools in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
The new rules for the use of swimming pools at camps, for day visitors and staff came into effect on Thursday. According to KNP management this is due to the fact that the park does not have life guards at sites to supervise swimmers.
Mr William Mabasa, KNP’s general manager of communications and marketing, says the conditions will be strictly applied.
“We have had cases of children drowning in our pools in the past, solely because there was no parental supervision when such incidents took place.
“With summer season upon us and the number of people we expect during this festive season, we will strictly apply these conditions in order to minimise possible unwanted cases of tragedy from occurring in our swimming pools.”
- Swimming pool users in the day visitors areas, camps and staff village must be 16 years of age and older.
- All users will be requested to sign an indemnity form to be allowed to use a pool.
- All swimming pools will only be open between 09:00 and 16:00.
“There have been a few incidents recently wherein day visitors were found making use of the Skukuza Staff Village swimming pool, a practice which is not allowed as the pool concerned can only be used by residents of the village and their guests,” Mabasa says.
“Furthermore, guests of staff should be in the company of the relevant resident hosting them when making use of the pool in the village, which will operate only from 09:00 to 18:00.”
“We also would like to appeal to those who are above 16 years, in particular teens to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the basics of swimming before they make use of the pools.
“They must also behave appropriately towards others when in or around a swimming pool, and have the ability to swim to ensure an enjoyable experience in the park.”
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