The tragic drowning death of a 4 year old boy at a Northern Territory Water Park once again raises questions as to why there was not a discrete parental supervision program in place at the facility.  The facility has following guidelines in place on their fact sheet:

Lifeguards are on duty when Water Park is open.  However children under 10 must be actively supervised by an adult over 16 years.  If you are an adult with children under your care, please make sure your kids are safe.  Keep a careful watch on them as they play. Be there when they need you.

Unfortunately without the promotion of and the enforcement by Lifeguards there is no requirement for parents to be in the water with children under the age of 5.  In this case the Watch Around Water requirement of hands on supervision in the water could have saved the young boys life.  It may have averted a tragedy for the family and for all the staff at the Water Playground who were involved in trying to resuscitate the child.  They will now live with the images of the young boy for the rest of their lives.  Our hearts go out to all those involved.

As we move into winter there is still the need to be just as vigilant on the pool deck and ensure lifeguards,  parents and guardians are discharging their responsibilities and Watching Around Water.

 Click on the link below to read the full story of this tragedy.

http://cat1.poolsafety.com.au/default.asp?documentid=973

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