This is the moment inmates at a maximum security prison enjoy a dip in a makeshift swimming pool in the courtyard that they reportedly created by covering the drains during a period of heavy rainstorms.
The incident took place on a hot summer’s day at the Turi Social Rehabilitation Centre in the city of Cuenca in the south-central Ecuadorian province of Azuay and according to provincial governor Xavier Martinez, it is under investigation.
According to local media, the inmates took advantage of the strong rainstorms and flash floods that have affected the region to cover the drains to allow the water to fill up the courtyard.
Video Credit: CEN
Reports said the water was approximately one metre deep.
In the footage, hundreds of prisoners are seen swimming in the makeshift pool or mingling on the outskirts.
One man even dives into the water from the top of a basketball backboard.
According to local media, the prison authorities complained that they were not informed of the incident by guards.
Prison director Ana Belen Cabrera vowed to take action so the same thing does not happen again while the provincial governor said “these things cannot be allowed”.
Governor Martinez added that ringleaders behind the incident could face punishment.
Video Credit: CEN
Prison guards eventually ordered the prisoners to reopen the drains and empty the improvised pool, according to local media.
Meanwhile, relatives of the inmates reportedly supported their actions as the weather was hot and the prison is overcrowded.
One week ago at the same prison, six inmates were killed during a riot that is still under investigation.
The courtyard of the pool turned into a pool 
The courtyard of the pool turned into a pool
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Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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