Watch around the Water
Watch Around Water (WAW) is a campaign educating the public about active supervision, and encouraging parents and guardians to take on the responsibility of this role while visiting aquatic facilities.
While we have the most dedicated and qualified staff in place, all parents are to stay 100% engaged with their children while attending lessons and while using our pools at the Wangaratta Sport and Aquatic Centre. This is very important not only for every child's safety, but also to help build their confidence and development in and around water.
Lifesaving Victoria have created free online learning modules for parents and guardians who would like to learn more about the Watch Around the Water policy. Click here
The guidelines aim is to reduce the number of fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents and associated injuries in public aquatic facilities in Victoria within the 0-14 year age group.
Children under 10 years:
- 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.
- Must wear a yellow wrist band while using our pools
Children under 5 years:
- Must be accompanied into the centre and the water by a responsible parent / guardian.
- Must stay within arm’s reach during recreational play activities.
- Must wear a pink wristband while using our pools
Children 10 years old and over:
- Parents must use their knowledge of an individual child’s swimming ability and general development to determine the level of accompaniment required
Frequently asked Questions
Does this policy apply while my child is in Swimming Lessons?
Yes, the guidelines for Watch Around Water still apply even while your child is participating in a swimming lesson.
For children under the age of 10 years, a parent/guardian is to remain within the pool hall and be available as required for the duration of the child’s lesson. This will assist with the timely provision of any poolside assistance.
For the safety of your child, a hand over of students between Parent /Guardian and Teacher occurs promptly at the start and end of each lesson. Students under the age of 10 will not be released from a class unless the parent/guardian is present to take over direct supervision of the child.
Children under 5 – must be fully supervised and remain within arm’s reach of an adult/guardian (16 years or older) and wear a red wristband provided by staff (including whilst in swimming lessons).
Children 5-9 – must be accompanied into the facility and constantly supervised by a parent/guardian (16 years or older) and wear a yellow wristband provided by staff (including whilst in swimming lessons).
Children who are not supervised will be removed from the water.
Is this legislation?
No, this is a framework and set of guidelines. This is also a condition of entry.
Can I read a book or listen to music while on pool deck?
What is the Watch Around the Water Policy?
The Watch Around the Water Policy is a safety initiative designed to ensure the safety of children at aquatic venues. It encourages responsible supervision by parents and guardians while children are in and around the water, with a strong focus on reducing drowning risks.
Who is responsible for supervising children under this policy?
Responsible parents, guardians, and caregivers over the age of 16 are responsible for supervising children while at the pool.
Children under the age of 5 must be within arm's reach of a responsible adult at all times. and Children under the age of 10 must be actively supervised at all times in and around the water.
Can the lifeguard supervise my child?
No. Parents supervise, Lifeguards save lives.
Why is the Watch Around the Water Policy important?
The Watch Around the Water policy aims to reduce the risk of drowning in Victoria and ensure that all children are properly supervised while swimming. The policy is based on evidence showing that most drowning incidents involving children occur when supervision is inadequate.
Additional information