NEW WATCH AROUND WATER GUIDELINES
August 19, 2019
YMCA Victoria, in consultation with Life Saving Victoria, are implementing some changes around our Watch Around Water policy at the ONE Casey aquatic facilities (Casey ARC, Casey RACE, Doveton Pool in the Park). The changes are due for implementation on Sunday 1 September.
The key changes are around the ratio for the supervision of children especially those under the age of 10.
Key Changes
- 1 adult (over the age of 16) to 2 children under the age of 5 years old in the pool. Child must wear a pink wrist band.
- 1 adult (over the age of 16) to 4 children under the age of 10 years old in the pool. Child must wear a yellow wrist band.
These changes are in addition to the Watch Around Water guidelines already in place at our centres:
Children under 10 years (5-9):
· Must be accompanied into the centre by a responsible parent / guardian
· Must be constantly and actively supervised
· Parents / guardians must position themselves to have a clear view of the child with no physical or structural barriers between them and the child / children
Children under 5 years (0-4):
· Must be accompanied into the centre and the water by a responsible parent / guardian
· Must stay within arm’s reach during recreational play activities
Children 10 years and older:
Parents must use their knowledge of an individual child's swimming ability and general development to determine the level of accompaniment required.
The guidelines apply also to parent and children in swimming lessons at our centres.
It is important to note that from Sunday 1 September, groups/families will not be permitted entry where the number of parents/guardians supervising a group of children under 10 years falls under the ratio of 1:4 (ratio of 1:2 for children under 5).
Example of ratios
- Yes/Acceptable:
- 1 parent: 2 under 5, 2 under 10
- 1 parent 1 under 5, 3 under 10
- 2 parents 4 under 5, 4 under 10
- 2 parents 3 under 5, 5 under 10
- No/Unacceptable:
- 1 parent 3 under 5
- 1 parent, 3 under 5, 1 under 10
For more information see watcharoundwater.org.au.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to talk to one of the team at Casey ARC, Casey RACE or Doveton Pool in the Park.