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Written by Tony Head   
Monday, 15 June 2009 16:41

Watch Around Water - It's Everyone's Responsibility!
Watch Around Water is a comprehensive program which addresses the misconception by many parents that the supervision of young children is the sole responsibility of the lifeguards when visiting public aquatic facilities. The program was developed by the aquatics industry for the aquatics industry and was launched in 2004. Now, there are over 50 accredited centres throughout Western Australia. The success of the program has led to its expansion with over 30 accredited centres in NSW, Northern Territory, Victoria and South Australia.

“Competent lifeguards acting responsibly should provide an important safety feature, but they are not intended to and cannot be expected to replace the close supervision of parents and teachers which is required for many children” – WA State Coroner

 

Why does the aquatics industry need Watch Around Water?

1.  The lack of parental supervision of young children in aquatic facilities and the reliance on lifeguards by parents to supervise has been an issue of concern amongst the aquatics industry for some time and continues to be.

2.  Lack of supervision has been identified as a major contributing factor in the majority of drowning deaths and near-drowning incidents involving young children at public aquatic facilities

  • Additionally, inadequate supervision levels place increasing pressure on lifeguards and other centre

    • staff in dealing with unsupervised children

  • The industry recognized the value of having such a program to increase the focus on centre safety

  • The program is in line with the new Code of Practice legislation:

    • Section 7.9 Minimum Entry Age – children under the age of 10 will not be permitted entry unless
    • under the supervision of a person 16 years or older.
  • The benefits of a collaborative effort include:
    • Reduction in implementation and running costs
    • Develops consistency across the industry – improve chances of long term behaviour change
    • amongst parents of young children

    How can I get involved?

    All you need to do is complete the Watch Around Water Registration Form, read through and sign the centre agreement then send both off to:

    Lauren Nimmo

    Royal Life Saving Society

    PO Box 28, Floreat Forum WA 6014

    Phone: (08) 9383 8200

    Fax: (08) 9383 9922

    IT’S THAT EASY!

    What do I get for becoming and accredited centre?

    As a registered Watch Around Water centre you will receive:

    1. Accreditation as a Watch Around Water centre

    1. Education resources (posters, wristbands, signage, stickers, lifeguard prompt cards, parent
      2. information  cards, PA announcements)
    1. Access to large scale promotional resources (underwater sign and pull up banners)

    1. Access to all program artwork

    1. Professional Development training for managers and staff (conducted on site)

    1. Assistance to generate local media

    1. Support from RLS and LIWA Aquatics

    Pricing Structure

    Centre Participation (New centres)

    $500 Metropolitan Multi Purpose Leisure Centres

    $350 Metropolitan Aquatic Centres

    $350 Regional Multi Purpose Leisure Centres

    $250 Regional Aquatic Centres

    Re-Registering Centres

    $70 Early registration fee, for re-registration prior to Oct 1 2008

    $100 All Re-registering centres, for registrations after Oct 1 2008

    Other Associated Costs

    $100 Non-LIWA Centre (to assist in program support)

    $200 Additional Council Pools (If a Local Council has more than one pool in its municipality the additional centres will only incur a $200 participation fee)

    *These prices are GST exempt*

    For more information on the Watch Around Water program please contact Lauren Nimmo on (08) 9383 8200 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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    Last Updated on Sunday, 28 August 2011 07:32
     
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