2019 Poolsafe campaign reminds New Zealanders that 'Lifeguards are not babysitters'

The latest Poolsafe latest programme from Recreation Aotearoa and Water Safety NZ is using Silver Fern Ameliaranne Ekenasio to remind parents and caregivers to keep an eye on their children in public swimming pool environments.

Following three non-fatal drownings over the recent school holidays, the message that constant supervision saves lives is more important than ever.

Being delivered by videos aimed at parents it enforces the message 'Lifeguards are not babysitters'.

Ekenasio, a Water Safety New Zealand ambassador, knows how important it is for parents and guardians to be in the water with their children.

She explains "even if there are plenty of lifeguards at a pool, putting down your cellphone and making sure there are no distractions can mean the difference between life and death. As a caregiver you should support the lifeguard by giving the kids your full attention."

Tracey Prince-Puketapu, Aquatics Programme Manager at Recreation Aotearoa said "the videos are designed to remind parents and guardians that accidents can happen in seconds. We also want to encourage people to hop in the water and have fun with their kids."

Recreation Aotearoa delivers the Poolsafe programme with Water Safety NZ, providing a way of assessing public pools to ensure that their operations and facilities are safe.

Currently, over 150 public pools in New Zealand are members of the scheme.