Swimming pool supervision policies
Pool Supervision Policies
These apply to Balclutha Centennial Pool and Milton Pool.
Children under-5 need to be kept within arm’s reach and actively supervised by a caregiver 16 years or older.
Children under-8 need to be actively supervised by a caregiver 16 years or older.
Actively-supervised means you are watching your children at all times. You are the first person to provide help to your child if needed. You and your children can see and hear each other.
Reading and using cell phones is not active supervision
YOU ARE YOUR CHILD'S LIFEGUARD — KEEP THEM SAFE
Caregiver- Children Ratios
How many children can you supervise?
- Three under 5-year-olds within arm’s reach of one actively supervising caregiver.
- Four under 8-year-olds being actively supervised by one caregiver.
- Children aged 5-7 will receive a wrist band to enter the pool
Why does my child have to wear a wristband?
This helps pool staff to quickly identify a child's age, and that a caregiver is looking after the child.
Why am I expected to provide immediate assistance, isn’t that the lifeguard’s job?
A lifeguard’s role is to prevent incidents happening and respond to a situation when required. This does not mean they have their eyes on every patron 100% of the time.
My child is a good swimmer - why do I have to actively supervise them?
Caregivers should know the limits of their children better than a lifeguard and can help ensure that their child stays within these limits. Even children with a reasonable swimming ability may not be able to get themselves out of difficulty if a dangerous situation arises - especially if they panic.
What do I do if I need to leave the pool side? ( e.g. go to the toilet, change other children)
Children can get into trouble at any moment, if you need to leave poolside you also need to get children under 8 out of the pool. Younger children need to be taken with you, an older child (who can follow directions) can sit on poolside and wait for you to return
Why can’t I watch (actively supervise) my children from the therapeutic pool or upstairs?
The Therapeutic pool and upstairs gallery create visual, hearing and distance issues that delay your reaction times to providing immediate assistance to your child.
What happens if the rules aren’t followed?
In the first instance we’ll work to educate our users. However, if children are not accompanied by a suitable caregiver they won’t be allowed in the water. If there is continued failure to comply with our policies, people may be asked to leave the facility for the safety of their children and all users. Also, if we can’t make contact with an appropriate caregiver then police may be called.
