Italian parliament tightens pool safety after child deaths, mandates suction standards and 4.7 million euro fund

What the amendment requires

The amendment to the Sport decree, approved by the Chamber of Deputies on 23 July, imposes new safety obligations on public pools, private pools open to the public, and pools for collective use. The recirculation system, and in particular the water suction intakes (such as bottom grates, drain covers, and any other material used for that purpose), must guarantee safety to prevent vortex suction phenomena that could trap any part of a bather's body. The text explicitly targets the "suction effect" (effetto ventosa) that has been linked to recent fatalities. Non-compliance triggers immediate closure of the facility until the obligations are fulfilled, without prejudice to other existing safety, management, and maintenance requirements. The amendment also introduces a mandatory swim cap for all children under 16, a rule originally proposed in a separate amendment by Laura Cavandoli of the League party. That proposal was later absorbed into the broader safety text drafted by the Culture committee.

The tragedies behind the vote

The legislative push follows what lawmakers described as a sequence of tragedies in recent weeks, including the deaths of children in swimming pools. While the exact number and circumstances were not detailed in the parliamentary record, the incidents created a sense of urgency that cut across party lines. The relator, Gerolamo Cangiano, noted that the consensus was so broad that all groups agreed to withdraw any sub-amendments, allowing the text to pass without opposition.

Funding and enforcement

To help public pools meet the new standards, the amendment establishes a fund of 4.7 million euros for 2026. Il Sole 24 Ore reported the precise figure as 4.725 million euros, to be drawn from a reduction in the Ministry of Economy's special capital account fund within the 2026-2028 three-year budget. The money is earmarked exclusively for upgrading public pool infrastructure. Private facilities open to the public must bear their own compliance costs. The amendment also reiterates that existing safety, management, and maintenance rules remain in force alongside the new requirements.

Unanimous political backing

The vote was 244 in favor, with no votes against or abstentions. Cangiano, the relator, called it "unanimous consensus of the groups." The amendment was deposited by the Culture committee as a substitute for Cavandoli's original proposal, which had focused solely on the swim cap rule. By merging the two initiatives, the committee secured a text that addressed both immediate safety measures and longer-term infrastructure upgrades.

unanimous consensus of the groups

The amendment now forms part of the Sport decree, which is still under parliamentary review. Once the decree is converted into law, the new pool safety rules will take effect, with the fund available for disbursement in the current year.