Watch Around Water program

This program has been developed by Aquatics & Recreation Victoria and Life Saving Victoria to educate the public about adequate supervision and to encourage parent/guardians to take on this responsibility when visiting a public aquatic facility. 

Children need supervision! Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children under five years of age and almost half of all injuries recorded at public swimming pools involves children. Watch Around Water assists aquatic staff to promote safe supervision practices and provide a safe venue for the community to participate in sport and recreation.

Please observe and follow the Watch Around Water policies below when visiting a Swim Sport & Leisure centre.

Children under 5 years

• Must be accompanied into the centre by a responsible parent or guardian, aged 16 years or older. 
• Must remain within arm’s reach of a responsible parent/guardian during all aquatic activities.
• Supervising adults or guardians are asked not to engage with their mobile devices or other possible distractions whilst actively supervising a child under 5 years.

Children 5 to 9 years

• Must be accompanied into the centre and actively supervised by a responsible parent or guardian over the age of 16. The parent/guardian must adhere to all conditions of entry.
• Must remain in a clear line of sight to parents/guardians with no physical or structural barriers.
• Supervising adults or guardians are asked not to engage with their mobile devices or other possible distractions whilst actively supervising a child under 10 years.
• Children must wear a yellow wristband issued from reception staff to help identify their age while swimming.

Children 10 years and older

• Parents/guardians must assess the child’s swimming ability and maturity to determine the required level of supervision required.

Need to know more...

For further information about the Watch Around Water program, visit the Life Saving Victoria website.