Keep Watch @ Public Pools

A lack of direct supervision by a parent or carer is believed to contribute to around 70% of drowning deaths at public pools. The program targets parents and carers to understand the importance of actively supervising their children and raises awareness of the dangers of leaving them unattended in and around the water.

All Canterbury Bankstown Leisure & Aquatic Centres have adopted the Royal Life Saving Australia, Keep Watch at Public Pools program. The program’s aim is to prevent drowning incidents through active supervision of children and outlines parent and carer responsibilities during a visit to our facilities.

Qualified lifeguards are always on duty to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors to our facilities.

Parents and carers are responsible for actively supervising their children. Swimming is better together, play, hold hands, interact and enjoy this exciting time with your child.

Age group responsibilities

0-5 year old children and non-swimmers

Parents and carers must remain in the water and always keep their child within arm’s reach.

All 0-5 year olds and non-swimmers will be provided with a Keep Watch at Public Pools wristband to wear for the duration of their stay.

6-10 year old children and weak swimmers

Parents and carers must stay close to their child, keep them in constant sight and be ready to enter the water at any time.

11-14 year old children

Parents and carers are required to maintain constant visual supervision of their child.

Distractions are Dangerous

Parents and carers must avoid using mobile phones and other distractions that interfere with the active supervision of children in their care.

Tips for active supervision

Be prepared: Ensure you have everything you need before getting into the water, such as towels and dry clothes.
Be close: Always follow the age group responsibilities to ensure your child remains safe; Be within arm’s reach, Be close, Maintain constant visual contact.
All your attention: Focus all your attention on your child. Get into the pool, talk to them and play with them.
All the time: You must never leave your child alone in the water. Never leave a child in the care of an older child. Your responsibility does not change due to the presence of lifeguards.