Calls for vigilance around water this summer

Parents and guardians are being reminded of their duty to help prevent tragedies around water this summer. 

All City of Ballarat pools have implemented Life Saving Victoria’s ‘Watch Around Water’ campaign, including new rules for children aged under 10. 

The campaign follows a significant increase in statewide drownings in recent years. 

The LSV Drowning Report 2021/22 shows there were 53 drowning fatalities across Victoria in 2021/22, 10 more than the state’s 10-year average. 

Tragically, five of these were children aged 0–14, making up nine per cent of all Victorian drowning fatalities. 

Although most drownings occur in inland waterways and beaches, parents and guardians are reminded that the principles of active supervision still apply to pools and other water sources. 

City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson called on parents to take responsibility for their children's safety. 

“Our lifeguards do an amazing job and they are incredibly attentive but on busy days there can be hundreds of people to watch out for,” Cr Hudson said. 

“An extra set of eyes or a guardian in close contact can be the difference between life and death. 

“The new rules will be enforced at all City of Ballarat pools, but all parents and guardians should have it at the forefront of their minds around any types of water.” 

New rules implemented at all City of Ballarat pools as of 3 December 2022 include: 

• Children aged under 5 will be required to wear a pink wristband when swimming. The children must be accompanied into the water and within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian over the age of 16 at all times.    

• Children aged 5-10 will be required to wear a yellow wristband when swimming and must be constantly and actively supervised at all times. Parents and guardians must have clear, constant and direct access to their child at all times.    

The updated policy applies for any children under 10 swimming at Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, Eureka Outdoor Pool, Black Hill Outdoor Pool, Brown Hill Outdoor Pool and Buninyong Outdoor Pool. 

Life Saving Victoria manager aquatic industry services Alek Olszewski said it was crucial parents gave as much assistance as possible to lifeguards. 

The Watch Around Water campaign focuses on children aged under 10, “always keep them within sight” and children under 5, “always keep them within arm’s reach”. 

“The onus for safety is on the individual, and where children are involved, it’s up to parents and guardians to Watch Around Water,” he said. 

“We always say that rescue is the last line of defence against drowning, and while lifeguards are expertly trained and ready to assist, you can prevent your child from being in a life of death situation in the first place by actively supervising them.” 

For more information about all Ballarat outdoor pools opening hours, visit the City of Ballarat website.