Muscat – Following recent rainfall across the sultanate, natural water pools have formed in wadis, plains and desert areas in several governorates, attracting large numbers of visitors seeking leisure and recreation, especially during weekends.

However, authorities have cautioned the public about the hidden dangers associated with these seemingly calm pools.

Royal Oman Police has warned that swimming in wadis after rainfall – a popular activity among young people and children – can pose serious risks due to the unpredictable nature of the terrain.

Lt Col Mohammed bin Salam Al Hashmi, Director of Security Relations and Media at ROP, said the mountainous geography of Oman and the varied formations of wadis create uneven channels and surfaces, resulting in pools with differing depths even within the same location.

“This increases the risk of drowning, particularly when children and teenagers swim without proper supervision,” he said.

Al Hashmi added that swimming in dams, open wells and natural springs is even more dangerous, as these sites may contain deeper water and hidden hazards. Injuries may also occur due to slipping on wet surfaces near the pools or diving from elevated rocks and hitting submerged stones.

He urged visitors to exercise caution when visiting such sites, avoid driving vehicles into risky areas and remain alert to the possibility of sudden renewed wadi flows. He also advised against swimming in pools where the depth cannot be determined and stressed the importance of supervising children near water.

Residents also voiced concern over the recurring incidents linked to rainwater pools after heavy rainfall.

Shuaib bin Salem Al Ghawi from Izki said the phenomenon repeats itself after every rainy spell despite continuous warnings. Young people are often drawn to the pools for recreation, curiosity or challenge, he noted, warning of sudden deep spots, hidden currents and mud that may pull swimmers underwater.

Hammoud bin Sulaiman Al Jamoudi from Nizwa said the growing popularity of swimming in such pools is driven by a spirit of adventure, lack of awareness of potential dangers and the influence of friends, as well as the desire to capture photos and videos for social media.

Zaher bin Salem Al Mahrouqi from Izki also expressed concern over repeated drowning incidents, noting that many tragedies begin with moments of carelessness and could have been avoided by following safety instructions issued by authorities.