Supervision
Supervision
Public Pool Safety
Public pools are generally safe places to swim and recreate, with trained pool lifeguards on hand to help in the unlikely event of an emergency. However, it is important to note that lifeguards cannot watch your children for you. Parents and Guardians still need to supervise children at all times while at the pool.
This means focusing your attention on your children all of the time, when they are in, on, or around the water.
Parents and Guardians should always
- watch your own child/children
- know that lifeguards are there to watch everyone in the pool and cannot watch your child/children
- remember that they are responsible for the safety of their own child/children
Aquatic Supervision
Our aquatic safety and supervision policies are based on the Guidelines for Safe Pool operations and industry best practice. Our aquatic safety program is an education and awareness program that addresses the levels of parental supervision of children required while visiting aquatic facilities.
‘Parents supervise, lifeguards save lives’
Even though lifeguards are on duty, you are responsible for your children at all times. Our lifeguards are not babysitters and parents and guardians have a crucial role in the supervision of children while visiting our pools.
It’s not about shifting responsibility; it’s about having both parents and lifeguards working together to keep children safe in our aquatic facilities.
Children can drown in less than 20 seconds – it happens quickly and silently. It often occurs as a result of parents and guardians being momentarily distracted or not maintaining visual contact.
Key Messages for Parents and Guardians
- Children aged 0 to 5 years and non-swimmers – must be within arms reach of a parent or guardian.
This means that if your child is entering the water, the parent or supervisor must be within arm’s reach – meaning you need to be in the water with your child. The supervision ratio is 1 Adult : 2 Children. - Children aged 6 to 10 years – must be closely and actively supervised by a parent or guardian.
This means parents and guardians must be prepared to enter the water, remain close to their child at all times, maintain constant visual contact and remain distraction-free. - Children aged 11 to 15 years – always keep an eye on your child regardless of the activity they may be doing.
This means whether your child is engaged in swimming lessons, playing on the pool inflatable, or recreational swimming, you should always maintain visual contact to ensure they do not get into trouble in the water. The parent or guardian must maintain visual contact and remain distraction-free. - Children aged 16+ years – may enter the aquatic facility unsupervised.
Be aware of distractions: Take steps to minimise distractions – such as mobile phones or chatting to other parents – to avoid lapses in supervision.
Be responsible: All guardians must be 16 years and above.
Be prepared: Ensure you have everything you need before getting into the water, such as towels and dry clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions – For Parents
What are the aquatic supervision conditions of entry for the Centre?
- Children aged 0 to 5 years and non-swimmers – must be within arms reach of a parent or guardian.
This means that if your child is entering the water, the parent or supervisor must be within arm’s reach – meaning you need to be in the water with your child. The supervision ratio is 1 Adult : 2 Children. - Children aged 6 to 10 years – must be closely and actively supervised by a parent or guardian.
This means parents and guardians must be prepared to enter the water, remain close to their child at all times, maintain constant visual contact and remain distraction-free. - Children aged 11 to 15 years – always keep an eye on your child regardless of the activity they may be doing.
This means whether your child is engaged in swimming lessons, playing on the pool inflatable, or recreational swimming, you should always maintain visual contact to ensure they do not get into trouble in the water. The parent or guardian must maintain visual contact and remain distraction-free. - Children aged 16+ years – may enter the aquatic facility unsupervised.
My child is a competent swimmer. Why do I need to be in the water with them?
It is not only about swimming ability, it is also a safety issue. If a child gets hurt, a parent or guardian within close vicinity can act on the incident immediately, thereby preventing any further complications. It is very easy for young children who are good swimmers to get out of their depth or become tired, making it difficult for them to get back to the edge and often causing children to panic.
I will jump in if I need to, but I do not want to enter the water.
See above. This has become a condition of entry. If you do not comply with the conditions of entry, you will not be permitted to visit the aquatic centre.
My toddler is in the toddler pool. Do I need to wear bathers?
No. If you have your shoes off, pants rolled up and are prepared to get wet, this is ok. You must be ready to respond if something happens to your child in the water. You must be prepared and willing to enter water up to the depth of water your child is in.
Can I read a book or use my phone while watching my child?
No. It is important to remember that active supervision is about constantly watching and always having a clear view of your child. Remember, it only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown, so an incident may easily occur during a short lapse in supervision.
I am only just leaving my child to grab a coffee or go to the toilet. Why is that an issue?
It is important to remember that active supervision is about constantly watching and always having a clear view of your child. Remember, it only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown, so an incident may easily occur during a short lapse in supervision.
Is this legislation?
The Centres conditions of entry are based on the Guidelines for Safe Pool operations, which governs supervision policies for children 5 years and under. As part of the Centres commitment to providing a safe environment for children, parents and guardians can be reported for negligence to the relevant state government agency.
My child has swimming lessons, do the supervision policies apply?
Yes. Your child will only be allowed to swim outside of swimming lessons in line with the Centres supervision policies.
It is culturally inappropriate for me to enter the water due to my religion. Can my child age 5 years or under swim alone?
All children 5 years and under must have a parent or guardian within arm’s reach at all times. Your child will only be allowed to swim in the toddler pool, and you must have your shoes off and be prepared to get wet if anything happens to your child in that pool. As deep as the child is in the water, you must also be. If your child would like to swim in a deeper pool, you will need to bring another guardian that is able to swim.
