Keep Watch at swimming pools
With the summer swim season in full swing, Wingecarribee Shire Council is reminding residents of the Royal Life Saving Society’s Keep Watch program.
“Whilst Council employs qualified lifeguards at all of our public pools, parents and guardians still have a responsibility to keep an eye on their children wherever water is present,” said Tannia Andrews, Council’s Pools and Facilities Supervisor.
“Tragically, drowning is still one of the leading causes of death in children aged up to four years of age,” Ms Andrews said. “Sadly, over the last eleven years 359 children aged under five have drowned across the nation.”
The Royal Life Saving’s Keep Watch Program targets three main areas. Keep watch at the Farm, at Bath Time and at Public Pools.
The Program also has four key drowning prevention Actions designed to be used together to maximise child safety. The four key Actions are Supervise, Restrict Access, Water Awareness and Resuscitate.
“Keep Watch aims to prevent drowning deaths of children under five years of age regardless of the location,” Ms Andrews said. “It also aims to help parents and carers of children to understand their responsibilities and the dangers of leaving children unattended near water.”
Under the program, the key initiatives are:
- Children aged 0-5 and non-swimmers:
Give them all your attention. Stay close to them (within arm’s reach). Watch them continuously.
- Children aged 6-10 years:
Constant active supervision is required. Be prepared to get wet or enter the water.
- Children aged 11-14:
It is recommended you physically check up on them on a regular basis.
For further information on pool safety or the Keep Watch program visit www.royallifesaving.com.au/programs or enquire at one of Council’s swimming centres.