Water is a beloved part of Australian life, especially during the warm months. Whether it’s at the beach, pool, or lake, kids enjoy playing in the water, but with this fun comes a serious responsibility—supervision. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths for children under 5, and even competent swimmers can find themselves at risk in a moment of distraction.

The Watch Around Water program, a joint initiative between Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) and Life Saving Victoria (LSV), seeks to educate parents and guardians on how to properly supervise children in aquatic environments. By following these clear guidelines, families can significantly reduce the risks associated with water-related accidents.

Key Guidelines for Different Age Groups

The Watch Around Water program includes specific supervision guidelines tailored to children’s ages and swimming abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the guidelines:

Children Under 5 Years:

For children in this age group, the guidelines are particularly strict. This is because children under 5 are most vulnerable to drowning incidents. Here are the key points for supervising young children:

  • Wristbands: Children under the age of 5 must wear pink wristbands. This helps identify children who require close supervision.
  • Constant Supervision: The responsible adult must stay within arm’s reach of the child at all times, whether the child is in or out of the water.
  • In-the-water Supervision: Parents or guardians must be in the water with the child. It’s not enough to be on the sidelines; you must be physically in the water, prepared to act if needed. If your child is under 5 years old, you are not required to be in the water with them during swimming lessons. However, if you choose for them to continue swimming out of their lesson time, you will need to enter the water to supervise them.
  • One-to-Two Ratio: A responsible adult may not supervise more than two children under the age of 5 at a time. If you’re caring for more than two children, it’s recommended to bring another adult for additional support.

 

 

Children Aged 5-9 Years:

As children grow older, they may show more independence, but supervision remains just as important. For children aged 5-9, the guidelines are as follows:

  • Wristbands: The child should wear a yellow wristband, indicating they are in this age group.
  • Constant Visual Contact: The responsible adult must maintain constant visual contact with the child, ensuring there are no physical barriers between them.
  • No Distractions: Avoid distractions such as using mobile devices or reading materials. Active supervision means being fully engaged and alert at all times.
  • Ready to Assist: The adult should be ready to enter the water should the child need immediate assistance.
  • One-to-Four Ratio: An adult may supervise up to four children in this age group, provided they are able to keep track of each child effectively.

 

 

Children Over 10 Years:

For children over 10 years of age, the responsibility of supervision can vary depending on the child’s swimming ability. Here’s how to approach supervision for older children:

  • Assess Individual Ability: Parents should use their knowledge of the child’s swimming skills and general development to determine the level of supervision required.
  • Recommended Supervision: Although children aged 10 and above may be more independent, it is still recommended that they are not left unsupervised at the pool.
  • Parent’s Responsibility: Parents should stay nearby and be prepared to step in if necessary, especially in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous environments.

 

*The watch around water program is only applicable for those at our Nunawading site located at Aqualink Nunawading. This is not applicable to all other sites.*

Why is the Watch Around Water Program So Important?

The Watch Around Water policy was created with one key goal in mind: the prevention of child drownings. While lifeguards are tasked with overseeing the entire aquatic facility, it is crucial for parents and guardians to provide direct, constant supervision of the children in their care. Tragically, drowning incidents happen silently and quickly, even in shallow water, often before anyone can react.

By implementing these guidelines, parents are empowered to ensure that their children stay safe in aquatic environments. These practices are not limited to public pools—whether you’re at the beach, in a bath, at a lake, or even in your own backyard, active supervision can save lives.

1. Why can’t I just supervise from the sidelines?

It’s essential to be in the water with your child, especially for younger children, because accidents can happen quickly and silently. Being physically close allows you to react instantly if the child needs help.

2. My child is a good swimmer—do I still need to be in the water?

Yes. Even competent swimmers can encounter unexpected challenges, such as becoming tired, getting out of their depth, or panicking. Active supervision ensures you’re in a position to intervene should something go wrong.

3. Can I leave my child for a moment to grab coffee or use my phone?

No. It only takes 20 seconds for a child to drown. The guidelines emphasize the importance of being fully focused on your child and maintaining constant, active supervision.

4. Does the policy apply only at pools?

While the Watch Around Water policy is implemented in over 160 aquatic facilities, its principles are crucial for any environment where water is present, including beaches, rivers, lakes, and even baths at home. Parents and guardians are encouraged to apply these practices wherever water activities occur.

5. Do I need to pay to supervise my child during swimming lessons?

If your child is under 5 years old, you are not required to be in the water with them during swimming lessons. However, if you choose for them to continue swimming out of their lesson time, you will need to enter the water to supervise them. For children over 5 years, you do not need to enter the water, but you must still supervise them closely at all times.

The Lifesaving Importance of Active Supervision

The Watch Around Water policy isn’t just about setting rules for aquatic venues—it’s about raising awareness for the importance of active supervision. By always being present and attentive, parents can prevent accidents before they happen. Whether you’re at a public pool, at the beach, or in your own backyard, these guidelines help ensure that your children are safe and can enjoy the water with minimal risk.

Remember, drowning is silent, and it can happen in an instant. Active supervision saves lives. By following the Watch Around Water policy, you’re doing your part to make sure that every child is safe in and around water.

*The watch around water program is only applicable for those at our Nunawading site located at Aqualink Nunawading. This is not applicable to all other sites.*