The Oasis Aquatic Centre proudly participates in the Royal Life Saving Australia’s KEEP WATCH program, designed to enhance active supervision and the safety of children in public pools.

With lack of direct supervision by a parent or carer believed to be a contributing factor in 70% of all drowning deaths at public pools, the Keep Watch at Public Pools program aims to eliminate all drowning deaths and reduce the number of near drowning incidents. As a parent you have the responsibility to look after your own children - lifeguards do a great job of keeping our pools safe but they are not babysitters.

Keep Watch @ Public Pools Policy

• For 0-5 year olds a parent or guardian must be in the water at all times (within arms reach) of the child. It is best if you are engaging with your child i.e. playing with them, talking to them, touching them.
• For 6-10 year olds a parent should be close enough to make eye contact with the child and be constantly watching them.
• For 11-14 year olds a parent must regularly check on their child by physically going to the point where they are in or around the water.
• Parents or guardians should actively supervise their children at all times. As such, they should be dressed ready for action, including unexpected entry to a pool.

Active supervision at public pools consists of four key elements:

• Be Prepared: Ensure you have everything you need before getting into the water, such as towels and dry clothes.
• Be Close: Always be within arms’ reach of your child.
• All of Your Attention: Focus all of your attention on your child and get into the pool and talk and play with them.
• All of the Time: You should never leave your child alone in the water, nor should they be left in the care of an older child or with the assumption that your responsibility diminishes due to the presence of lifeguards.

Please be aware our staff have been directed to remove any child from the water if they are not being ‘actively supervised’ by a parent or carer. The decisions of lifeguards are final, regardless of a child’s swimming ability.

Please respect our staff and their actions.

No school - No Pool Policy

• In line with the NSW Government’s approach to school leavers any person who wishes to enter the Oasis Aquatic Centre during school hours (8.30am – 3.30pm) must have completed Year 10.
• Any person who is currently in Year 10 or aged 16 and below will not be allowed to enter the Oasis Aquatic Centre during school hours as by law they should be at school.
• If a person attempts to enter the Oasis during school hours and are below the required school level/age they will require a parent or guardian who is aged 18 and above to enter with them.
• Children on school holidays who do not require direct supervision can enter. Note this also applies for other state and territory school holiday periods. If unsure check state education websites.
• In line with the Keep Watch rules any person who is 15 above does not require supervision whilst in the Oasis (note No School-No Pool rule still applies during school hours)
• If staff are unsure of a child’s age, then they may ask for ID noting that at the ages of 16 and 17 people have the opportunity to have ID Card’s, Learners and Provisional licenses. They can also confirm with a school if a child is still enrolled.

Please see the latest version of the Keep Watch Rules: https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/Aquatic-Risk-and-Guidelines/safety-programs/child-supervision/keep-watch-at-public-pools