Updated supervision guidelines for all aquatic facilities

Published on 23 September 2019

The Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO) have been updated to emphasise the responsibilities of parents and guardians when supervising children under 10 and other patrons of high risk.

The new supervision guideline is to ensure the safety of your children and other patrons and has been adopted by aquatic facilities nationwide. Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre is proudly at the forefront of the leisure industry and we make it a priority to adopt best practice methods of operation. With children under 10 making up the majority of fatal and non-fatal drownings in Victoria, this guideline aligns with Life Saving Victoria’s Watch Around Water campaign in an effort to reduce the number of drowning incidents among this age group.

As of 7 October 2019, Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre will be implementing the following improvements to our procedures.

Children under five

Children under five must be accompanied into the centre by a parent or guardian over the age of 16 who is prepared to swim. Children must always be supervised and remain within arm’s reach, both in and out of the water. Both children and parents/guardians must wear a yellow wristband to assist staff in identifying their age whilst swimming. If a child is not within arm’s reach of their parent/guardian, they will be removed from the water.

Ratio: Maximum two children under the age of five (babies in prams included) per one adult.

Children under ten (five to nine years)

Children under 10 must be accompanied into the centre and actively supervised by a parent or guardian over the age of 16. The parent/guardian must have a clear view of the child/children with no barriers in between. Children must wear a red wristband to assist staff in identifying their age whilst swimming.

Ratio: Maximum four children under the age of 10 per one adult

TERMS: These ratios apply to all children under 10, including during swimming lessons. Parents and guardians are still expected to supervise their child during lessons. Adults should not on their phone at any time when supervising children, including during swimming lessons. If staff members are concerned for the safety of an unsupervised child, they have the authority to remove them from the water.

Patrons with carers

Carers must stay in close contact with the person with disability to assist with all requirements and supervision whilst in the centre. Where appropriate, the centre staff should be advised of the nature of disability/medical condition upon entry. For example: heart conditions, seizures. Carers must wear a BLUE wristband to indicate supervision responsibilities.

We appreciate your cooperation with these procedures. If you have any question, concerns, or would like more information, please speak with customer service or one of our centre supervisors.