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Monday, October 20, 2008, 09:14
The inquest into the death of Suresh Nanduri, a non-swimmer, of Bow, London, heard he drowned after slipping on the slope in the unsupervised indoor pool at the Rainbow Hotel, Belgrave Road, in May.
Torbay coroner Ian Arrow recorded a verdict of accidental death on 28-year-old Indian born Mr Nanduri.
Following the death, Torbay Council wrote to the operators of 120 indoor and outdoor pools in Torbay to advise them of the safety measures required.
An expert was also employed to advise owners on any work needed to make pools comply with the health and safety guidance.
It is understood this could land some businesses with bills for tens of thousands of pounds.
And if they fail to carry out the work and keep the pool open they may face legal action.
Torbay Council said it could not yet say how many pools were affected.
A spokesman said: "While our investigations are still ongoing, we are not in a position to make any of this information public.
"Torbay Council will continue to work closely with swimming pool operators, offering advice as appropriate, and we hope all operators will appreciate the importance of addressing this issue.
"However, we do have to point out we would have to consider taking appropriate action against anyone who fails to meet their obligations to adequately control the risks."
The council has organised a special swimming pool safety advisory session today for businesses as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness of swimming pool health and safety issues among private operators of swimming pools in Torbay, and remind them of their legal obligations under the 1999 guidelines.
A spokesman said: "Torbay Council wrote to the operators of the 120 pools in Torbay to advise them that they should be following best practice with regard to assessing the risks that may be caused by the pools.
"They were also advised that environmental health officers would be carrying out visits to measure the gradient and assess any abrupt changes in depth to determine whether any further controls were necessary to ensure effective pool safety.
"Officers also briefed trade associations in the Bay about the reasons for the survey.
"The council commissioned an expert in swimming pool safety from the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management to assist in the interpretation of the survey results and to advise on the most appropriate course of action for any pools which do not currently comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and other legislation."
The ISRM is the national professional body for those involved in providing, managing, operating and developing sport and recreation services.
Those invited to today's event to hear advice on safety issues, law and guidance concerning the operation of swimming pools, include representatives from the Torbay Hospitality Association, Torbay Tourism Forum, Torbay Accommodation Providers and Torbay Self Catering Association.
The consultant from the ISRM will be available to give clear advice to businesses on how risks may be controlled in the future and how they can best comply with their legal obligations.
Guidance on how swimming pools should be safely operated has been produced by the Health and Safety Executive.
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