What is your watch around the water policy?
At Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (NARC), we follow Life Saving Victoria's (LSV) Watch Around Water policy, a vital water safety initiative aimed at preventing drowning incidents—particularly for young children—by promoting active supervision from parents and guardians in aquatic environments.
Key Aspects of the Policy
👶 Children Under 5 Years
Children under 5 must always remain within arm’s reach of a supervising adult, both in and around the water. This ensures that parents or guardians can respond immediately to any situation, helping to prevent accidents before they occur.
👧 Children Aged 5–10 Years
For children aged 5–10, active supervision is essential. This means parents or guardians must be watching at all times and ready to enter the water if necessary to assist their child.
👀 Active Supervision for All
All parents and guardians are required to actively supervise their children at all times when using NARC’s aquatic facilities. The policy also encourages a partnership between facility staff and parents to foster a safe swimming environment for everyone.
Why is Active Supervision Important?
Research shows that drownings can happen quickly and quietly, often without any noticeable signs of distress. The Watch Around Water policy is designed to build a culture of water safety where supervision is shared between lifeguards and guardians, ensuring that children are always closely monitored to minimise risk.
By following the Watch Around Water policy, we create a safer aquatic environment for children and reduce the likelihood of accidents or drownings in public swimming areas.
Have questions or need help?
Contact Us
📞 Phone: (03) 9088 4600
📧 Email: info@northcoteaquaticreccentre.com.au
🌐 Web Form: Submit an enquiry here