If you have nurtured the idea of going for a swim in a swimming pool recently, then you need to keep calm and read this first.
File photo used only for ilustrative purpose
Swimming pools offer a great way to chill out and have fun
especially during hot or lazy days. A basic feature of most hotels in
Nigeria, visitors and lodgers are always keen to use the amenity.
But most of these hotels do not clearly state the guidelines on how
the swimming pool should be used and most of the visitors are clueless
as to how to behave before and while using the pool.
Jumia Travel, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking portal, in this
writeup, offers 5 things every prospective swimming pool user in Nigeria
should know before diving into any pool.
1. Only get in the pool if you can swim
A lot of people may not be able to swim but would just want an
opportunity to wear their swimsuit and dabble in the water. While this
can be fun, it is very risky and should be avoided, especially if you
are alone. Not every hotel or club offer swimming pool accessories for
beginning swimmers and not all have life guards on standby. If you
cannot swim, just avoid the pool.
2. Be careful with your mobile device
It is no secret that water is no friend to the mobile device and
most times when people go to the pool area, they leave their phones at
the edge of the pool or on whatever chair they may have placed their
towel. It is advisable you leave your phone safely locked in a safe in
your hotel room before coming down to swim. If you are however too
attached to your phone, you can bring it with you but you will endeavor
to put it in a plastic bag if you plan to keep it near the pool and keep
a watchful eye over it lest it gets stolen.
3. Do not forget the Sunscreen and Bug spray
This is very important if you are swimming in the noon time. Some
hotels will offer you mini bottles but it is always advisable to come
with yours, so that you are sure the cream contains enough SPF to
protect your skin. Again, bugs tend to frequent pool areas and to avoid
being severely bitten, take the bug spray along too.
4. Go to the pool with your own accessories
Do not expect to get a fresh swimsuit/gear or towel at the swimming
pool, ensure you go with your own stuff, that way you are not
disappointed and you run a lesser risk of catching any skin rash or
infectious ailment. Pack your swimsuit, your swimming cap, goggles if
needed and towels. Also, if you are a beginner in swimming, endeavor to
take your own float noodle to the swim pool as not every pool will have
all that you may request.
5. Avoid drinking the pool water
The pool can be fun and sometimes you may playfully want to taste
the water or even drink it….please don’t! The pool water may look clean
and pure, but that does not mean it is clean. Aside from the chlorine
(which is not good for your health) that is added to the water to kill
germs, the pool also contains body fluids, urine and fecal matter from
people who may have used it before you.
