Aquatic Supervision

Keep Watch Policy

At Manning Aquatic Leisure Centre we follow the Royal Lifesaving Keep Watch policies developed to educate the public about adequate supervision and encourage parents/guardians to take on this responsibility when visiting a public aquatic facility.

Therefore, the following safe supervision policies must be adhered to:

Children aged 0 – 5 years – always within arm’s reach 

• Will be issued a yellow wristband from reception upon entry.
• Children under 5 years must be constantly supervised by a parent/guardian.
• Adequate supervision requires the parent/guardian to accompany the child in the water and remain within arm’s reach of the child at all times.
• Ratio: A maximum of 2 children (under 5 years) to 1 adult (over 16 years).

Children aged 6 – 10 years – always within sight

• Children under 10 years old will not be admitted without an appropriate parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must be 16 years or over and adhere to all conditions of entry.
• Children aged 6 – 10 years must be constantly supervised by a parent/guardian while in the aquatic area of the centre. This means the parent/guardian is prepared to get wet and enter the water.
• The parent/guardian must position themselves to have a clear view of the child with no physical or structural barriers between them and the child.
• Ratio: A maximum of 4 children (5 – 9 years) to 1 adult (over 16 years).

Children aged 11 – 14 years

• Parents/guardians (aged 16 years or over) are required to be present in the centre for children aged 14 years and under.
• Parent/guardian must use their knowledge of the child’s swimming ability to determine the level of supervision required.

Unsupervised children (of any age) will be removed from the water if the lifeguard is concerned for their safety.