Supervision policies are an essential part of the Watch Around Water program. These policies have been developed based on national and international best practice standards.

Within Arm's Reach Policy

• Children under 6 years old (aged 0-5 years) must be accompanied into the aquatic centre by a responsible adult (aged 16 years or older) and supervised within arm's reach at all times. This means that if the child is in the water, the parent/guardian must be ready to enter the water in case of an emergency.
• Children under 12 (aged 6-11 years) must be accompanied into the aquatic centre by a responsible adult (aged 16 years or older) and supervised within the line of sight at all times. This means the parent/guardian must have clear, constant and direct access to the child at all times.
• All unsupervised children will be removed from the water.

Supervision Ratio

For adults to effectively supervise children, the Watch Around Water program recommends that the following supervision ratios are applied at pools. 

• 1 adult can supervise up to 2 children (1:2) under 6 years of age.
• 1 adult can supervise up to 4 children (1:4) under 12 years of age. 

The Within Arm's Reach requirement now applies across the entire pool, including the Beach Entry.

To read all of the Conditions of Entry, visit here.

Watch Around Water Program

The safety of our patrons is our top priority.

Parents Supervise, Lifeguards Save Lives.

Although professional lifeguards are on duty at Arena as an important safety measure, parents still play a crucial role in keeping children safe. 

As a registered Watch Around Water facility, Arena and its patrons must follow the policies of the national Watch Around Water program as a minimum and have the ability to extend these policies. 

• Children 5 years and under must be accompanied into the centre by a responsible adult and supervised within arms reach at all times.
• If the child is in the water, then the parent or guardian must be in the water too.
  • The only exception is the Toddler Pool, where guardians can supervise the child in or out of the water as long as they are still within arm's reach.
• Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied into the centre by a responsible adult and supervised within the line of sight at all times.
• All unsupervised children will be removed from the water.
• The policies are the minimum standard. Some pools may choose to operate at a higher level, which is why it is important to read all pool signage upon entry and following the directions of lifeguards. 

Watch Around Water venues hand out wrist bands to swimmers 5 years and under. The wrist band is a reminder for you to remain within arm's reach at all times and for lifeguards to ensure the safety of young pool users.

Supervision means all of your attention, all of the time.