Our qualified lifeguards and staff are always monitoring to keep our customers safe. But we still need all parents or carers to actively watch over children in the pool and follow safety guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience. We follow the Keep Watch at Public Pools from Royal Life Saving Australia that explains the importance of active supervision and your responsibilities.
What is active supervision?
Active supervision is critical for keeping swimmers safe, especially children and those who may not be confident in the water. It involves continuous and vigilant watching in and around the pool to quickly respond to any potential dangers or emergencies.
Here are four key elements of active supervision at a swimming pool:
Age Guidelines
Guidelines for active supervision, tailored to different age groups, help parents and carers ensure they are effectively supervising those in their care while still enjoying their time at our centres.
For children aged 0-5, a parent or guardian must be in the water at all times, staying close enough to reach out to the child. It's important to actively interact with your child, which can include playing together, chatting with them, or holding their hand. 0-5 years old and non-swimmers will also be issued a Keep Watch band which needs to be worn on the wrist or ankle.
For 6-10-year-olds a parent or carer should be close enough to make eye contact with the child and be constantly watching them. Be prepared to get wet and enter the water with this age group.
For 11–14-year-olds a parent must regularly check on their child by physically going to the point where they are in or around the water.
Stay Safe & Active
For essential safety tips and valuable resources to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones in and around public pools, visit Royal Life Saving Australia.