I refer to the letter, “Relook lightning risk protocol at public swimming pool” (April 22).
My dad is an avid swimmer and uses the pools in Jurong East or Jurong West every evening. He has likewise noticed that over the past month, the pools in both locations have had to close frequently because of lightning alerts issued by the National Environment Agency.
We have given our feedback to Sport Singapore regarding such closures and have been told that they were due to the alerts. This protocol applies to both the sheltered pool in Jurong West and non-sheltered pool in Jurong East.
I, too, hope Sports Singapore can reconsider this protocol. As it is, the rule seems to disregard common sense and what is clearly good weather, and deprive the staff of the ability to make judgment calls.
Sports Singapore should also consider allowing swimmers to continue to use the sheltered pool in Jurong West despite a lightning alert. Since the shelter is protected by lightning rods, the pool should be safe enough for swimmers. It would be a waste if the shelter is good enough only to shelter swimmers from the sun, and little else.
Frequent pool closures due to faraway lightning occurrences is disruptive to avid swimmers and those learning how to swim. Protocol should not cloud common sense.
