In the lead up to the school holidays Wingecarribee Shire Council is reminding patrons of changes to public supervision guidelines applicable at Council's outdoor Swimming Centres.
Effective as of the current swim season, swimmers aged 14 years and under must be accompanied by an adult or supervisor 16 years or older.
Council's Manager Shire Presentation Greg Bray said the introduction of the supervision guidelines brought Council into line with Royal Life Saving Australia's national recommendations.
"The primary aim of these guidelines is to keep our young swimmers safe," he said.
"We want all visitors to safely enjoy Council's wonderful swimming amenities time and time again."
Mr Bray said statistics from Royal Life Saving Australia suggest lack of direct supervision by a parent or carer is a contributing factor in 70 per cent of all drowning deaths at public pools.
"We always have Council Life Savers on hand at the Bowral and Bundanoon Swimming Centres," he said. "But the responsibility for looking after children in water rests with everyone."
Royal Life Saving Australia's 'Keep Watch at Public Pools Program' guidelines suggest supervisors and carers:
- Stay within arm's reach of 0 – 5 year olds and non-swimmers,
- Be close, be prepared and maintain constant visual contact for 6 - 10 year olds
- Maintain visual contact of 11 - 14 year olds
"As we approach summer, these changes to supervision guidelines are a reminder to everyone to never leave young swimmers unattended at pools and to always keep watch of children in and around water," Mr Bray added.
"It's vitally important to remember that children can't help themselves around water - we need to."
To learn more about Royal Life Saving Australia's Keep Watch Program, visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/about/campaigns-and-programs/keep-watch.
