WATCH AROUND WATER PROGRAM
Life Saving SA proudly delivers the Watch Around Water program; a vital public education and awareness initiative aimed at reducing the risk of drowning and injury to young children in public swimming pools. The program supports aquatic facilities in promoting safe supervision practices leading to a more enjoyable environment for families participating in sport and recreation.
Developed by the aquatics industry, Watch Around Water is built on the understanding that while qualified lifeguards and facility staff play a crucial role in maintaining pool safety, it is unrealistic to expect them to provide one-on-one supervision for every young child. Instead, the program reinforces that parents and guardians hold the primary responsibility for always supervising their children. While lifeguards and facility staff provide a vital backup and respond in emergencies, they cannot replace the close and constant supervision that young children require from their caregivers.
Through training, signage, policy guidance, and active community engagement, Life Saving SA works directly with aquatic centres to implement and uphold the Watch Around Water principles. By embedding these best practice standards across South Australian facilities, the program not only reduces risk but also demonstrates a proactive commitment to child safety, aligning closely with the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations (GSPO) SV14: Supervision of Children.
Key Principles
Children under 5 years must be constantly supervised and remain within arms reach
Children under 10 years must be constantly supervised by a parent/ guardian and remain within eyesight
Program Implementation
Watch Around Water is adopted by public swimming centre management as a Conditions of Entry
Watch Around Water centres are provided with signage, flyers, training and resources to communicate the program’s key principles in the most effective way to their patrons
Depending on the location and layout of your water area the Watch Around Water message is best communicated through signage. This may be permanent or removable depending on your location.
Areas to consider:
Entry to the facility
Entry or exit of change areas
Highly visible locations close to the body of water eg. toddlers pool, play areas, seating, family areas
Brochures, websites, promotional material
WATCH AROUND WATER LOCATIONS
In 2015/16 the Recreation SA Aquatic Advisory Committee acknowledged the key messages within the Watch Around Water program of actively supervising children Under 10yrs could easily be extended to public swimming areas not patrolled by lifeguards.
Expanding the reach of the Watch Around Water message to such swimming areas would:
Inform users of the importance of active supervision around the water to keep children safe
Remind users active supervision should be practiced around all bodies of water
Support aquatic staff at Accredited Watch Around Water Centres in adhering to a consistent message
An Awareness location is:
Without the presence of a qualified lifeguard
Possibly an unrestricted body of water open to the public for recreational play and fitness
Possibly a restricted body of water accessible only through an entry fee or responsible person
WATCH AROUND WATER RESOURCES
Life Saving SA have a number of resources available to assist in the promotion and education of the program's key principles. These resources can be accessed by registered Watch Around Water centres online via Member Logins or purchased by either clicking through to our Resources page or submitting an order form.
New Watch Around Water centres receive a start up pack to utilise during their first season. A range of resources are provided so management can trial which to be the most effective for the local patrons and community. The annual Watch Around Water re-registration fee can then be used as credit toward topping up resources for the new season, when orders are received by the stipulated date.
For other resources exclusive to members, please get in contact with the Life Saving SA Coordinator.
