Recreation Aotearoa and Water Safety NZ emphasise importance of parental supervision at pools

Following an increase of pool incidents over the summer, New Zealand industry bodies Recreation Aotearoa and Water Safety NZ have released a statement stressing the importance of parental supervision of children at public pools.

The statement advises “we are at the time of the year when parents and caregivers are starting to return to work, however our children are still enjoying the summer, typically at the local swimming pool” before warning “parents of the dangers at the pool and remind them of their supervision responsibilities around children and water safety”.

It goes on to stress the role of lifeguards as “an important safety feature”, but they are not intended to replace the close supervision of parents or caregivers.

Noting that constant supervision saves lives, Water Safety NZ Chief Executive, Jonty Mills explains “there were seven preventable drowning fatalities in 2019 involving under-fives (and) every one a tragedy for a family and a community that has a profound impact on society.

“We need every parent and caregiver to remember that constant active adult supervision of babies and toddlers around water is the only way to keep them safe. It takes less than a minute for a child to drown."

In 2019 Recreation Aotearoa and Water Safety NZ released a video campaign featuring water safety advocate and Silver Fern, Ameliaranne Ekenasio. The videos are designed to remind parents and guardians that accidents can happen in seconds and constant supervision is vital to saving lives.

As a water safety ambassador for toddlers and babies, Ekenasio knows how important it is for parents and guardians to be vigilant and encourages them to get in the water with their children.

She adds "even if there are plenty of lifeguards at a pool, putting down your cell phone 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.

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.

Click on the links below to watch the appropriate videos

• Leave your phone behind
• Supervise under fives
• Lifeguards are not babysitters.

Image used for illustrative purposes only.