Parents need to put down their phones and focus on the children as outdoor pools around Central Otago began opening at the weekend, staff say.
Central Otago District Council aquatics manager Carly Lipinski said the pool staff wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and had one important message for anyone taking children to the pool — keep watch, stay close and be involved as it only took two silent minutes for a child to drown.
"We totally understand how tempting it is to grab a moment for yourself while the kids are swimming.
‘‘Parents and caregivers are busy and dropping the kids at the pool feels like some well-earned time-out; a chance to catch up on your messages, flick through a magazine or chat ...
‘‘But things can change in seconds around water, especially for little ones."
Even confident swimmers, particularly under-five years old, could find themselves in trouble if they got tired, panicked or ventured out of their depth.
Active supervision was not just about being nearby, it was about being engaged and ready to help, Ms Lipinski said.
"Lifeguards are there to keep everyone safe but they can’t replace a parent or caregiver’s eyes’’
Engaging with children in the pool could keep them safe and build life-long memories, she said.
"Don’t ‘drop and go’ this summer. Stay and play. Those poolside memories – the scent of sunscreen and sausage sizzle, laughter and splashes echoing across the water – are what kids remember most.’’
The council manages outdoor pools in Alexandra, Ranfurly, Ophir and Roxburgh.
CODC pool supervision rules:
• Under-five-year-olds must be within arm’s reach and under constant supervision by a caregiver over the age of 16 years both in and out of the water at all times. A caregiver must not have any more than two children under five in their care at any time.
• Under-10-year-olds must be actively supervised by a responsible caregiver over the age of 16 years at all times.
• Actively supervised means not only having a direct line of sight on the child at all times but be able to provide immediate assistance.
• The use of mobile phones, reading, or other distractions is not acceptable while supervising children under-10. Caregivers must remain alert.
• Safety comes first. Pool crew will insist that parents and caregivers meet their supervision responsibilities. — Allied Media
