The Chamber of Deputies has approved an amendment to the Sports Decree that strengthens safety in swimming pools , following a string of tragedies in recent weeks. The law, approved with bipartisan support and 244 votes in favor, introduces restrictions on public and private swimming pools, both open to the public and for collective use : recirculation systems and intakes—from nozzles to bottom grilles —must meet standards that prevent the suction effect . Failure to comply will result in immediate closure of the facility until it is brought up to standard.
The amendment also establishes a €4.7 million fund for 2026 to upgrade public swimming pools. Among the new provisions is the mandatory swimming cap requirement for children under 16. However, the provision requiring this requirement for those over 16 has been scrapped at the last minute.
(Unioneonline)