Aquatic Supervision

Aquatic Supervision and Safety Policies

Parents Supervise, Lifeguards Save Lives

Your safety is very important to us and while there are lifeguards on hand, we ask you to follow these steps below to help ensure your safety in and around our aquatic areas.

Parents/Guardians must actively supervise their children under 13 years of age. If you are not confident in the water or not a strong swimmer, please let our staff know as you enter the facility.

Keep Watch Policy

At Great Lakes Aquatic and Leisure Centre we follow the Royal Lifesaving Keep Watch policies developed to educate the public about adequate supervision and encourage parents/guardians to take on this responsibility when visiting a public aquatic facility.

Therefore, the following safe supervision policies must be adhered to:

Children aged 0 – 5 years – always within arm’s reach 

  • Will be issued a yellow wristband from reception upon entry.
  • Children under 5 years must be constantly supervised by a parent/guardian.
  • Adequate supervision requires the parent/guardian to accompany the child in the water and remain within arm’s reach of the child at all times.
  • Ratio: A maximum of 2 children (under 5 years) to 1 adult (over 16 years).

Children aged 6 – 10 years – always within sight

  • Children under 10 years old will not be admitted without an appropriate parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must be 16 years or over and adhere to all conditions of entry.
  • Children aged 6 – 10 years must be constantly supervised by a parent/guardian while in the aquatic area of the centre. This means the parent/guardian is prepared to get wet and enter the water.
  • The parent/guardian must position themselves to have a clear view of the child with no physical or structural barriers between them and the child.
  • Ratio: A maximum of 4 children (5 – 9 years) to 1 adult (over 16 years).

Children aged 11 – 14 years

  • Parents/guardians (aged 16 years or over) are required to be present in the centre for children aged 14 years and under.
  • Parent/guardian must use their knowledge of the child’s swimming ability to determine the level of supervision required.

Unsupervised children (of any age) will be removed from the water if the lifeguard is concerned for their safety.

Let us know you are here & swim safe

We welcome all swimming abilities to enjoy our pool facilities. We ask that if you are not a strong swimmer or not confident around the water, you let a lifeguard or staff member know and wear a wristband. 
 
We ask that you follow a few simple tips to make sure you have a fun and safe experience in our Centre. 

  • Wear an orange wristband – you can get these from reception or the Lifeguards. This is to help lifeguards know to keep an eye on you while you enjoy the water. 
  • Let staff know you are a vulnerable swimmer. Talk with the nearest lifeguard or even reception staff to let them know where abouts in the centre you may be swimming. 
  • Swim with a friend or companion 
  • Be aware of depth changes – pools can change depth in different areas – please be aware of this before you enter the water. Ensure you are swimming in areas suitable for your swimming ability and confidence. 
  • Don’t go over chest height – stay in the shallower water to allow you to always stay standing. 

Practice swimming and water safety

Join our GOswim program to learn the valuable life skill of how to swim and be safe around water.

Practice swimming and water safety

Join our GOswim program to learn the valuable life skill of how to swim and be safe around water.

GOswim