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Orange City Council has advised that from 1^st July, Orange Aquatic Centre will be introducing stronger supervision requirements for parents and carers to address concerns regarding the active supervision of children at the centre.

From 1^st July, parents and carers must accompany children aged under five in the water and be within arm’s reach at all times, to align with Royal Life Saving Australia Keep Watch at Public Pools safety program.

Orange City Council’s Sport and Recreation Committee Chair, Tammy Greenhalgh said children under five were most at risk of drowning in public pools.

Greenhalgh noted “Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children aged under five and almost half of all injuries recorded at public swimming pools involves children, often because a parent has been distracted.

“A strong commitment to child supervision assists aquatic staff to provide a safe centre for all users and raises awareness of the dangers of distraction for parents and carers.”

While the pool maintains high ratios of lifeguards, Greenhalgh said they were a backup in case of emergency, not a substitute for parental supervision.

Greenhalgh added “In public pools, distractions are everywhere, but your child needs your full attention. Your presence, within arm’s reach, saves lives. Drowning in young children is silent and fast, and can happen in as little as 20 seconds.”

Royal Life Saving Australia’s Keep Watch requirements are:

• 0-5 YEARS OLD: Be in the water and stay within arm’s reach
• 6-10 YEARS OLD: Be close, be prepared and maintain constant visual contact
• 11-14 YEARS OLD: Maintain visual contact

Image. Credit: Royal Life Saving Australia

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23rd November 2020 - Royal Life Saving’s latest Keep Watch campaign highlights tragic drowning toll among children aged under 12 months

26th October 2018 - Keep Watch research shows alarming scale of toddler drowning

2nd November 2017 - 85% of Queensland aquatic facilities work with Keep Watch anti drowning program

7th December 2016 - Keep Watch program marks 20 years and an 85% reduction in Western Australia’s toddler drowning rate

22nd March 2024 - Orange Aquatic Centre lifeguards threatened with abusive behaviour during free entry period

20th January 2024 - Swearing and threats pose ‘serious risk’ to staff at Orange Aquatic Centre resulting in cut in pool entry numbers

8th December 2023 - Proposed learn-to-swim pool for Orange Aquatic Centre

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