Aquatic Supervision

Available at:

  • Pelican Park Recreation Centre
  • Crib Point Outdoor Pool
  • Yawa Aquatic Centre

Parents Supervise, Lifeguards Save Lives

Your safety is very important to us and while there are lifeguards on hand, we ask you to follow these steps below to help ensure your safety in and around our aquatic areas.  
Parents/Guardians must actively supervise their children under 10 years of age. If you are not confident in the water or not a strong swimmer, please let our staff know as you enter the facility. 

Aquatic Supervision Policies

Watch Around Water

Mornington Peninsula Shire Active are Watch Around Water facilities. This program was developed by Aquatics and Recreation Victoria and Life Saving Victoria to:

  • Educate the public about adequate supervision.
  • Encourage parents/guardians to take on this responsibility when visiting a public aquatic facility.

Therefore, the following safe supervision policies must be adhered to:

Children under 5 years old:
  • Will be issued a pink wristband from reception upon entry.
  • Children under 5 years old must be constantly supervised by a parent/guardian.
  • Adequate supervision requires the parent/guardian to accompany the child in the water and remain within arm's reach of the child at all times.
  • Ratio, 1 adult to 2 children.
Children under 10 years old:
  • Will be issued a yellow wristband from reception upon entry.
  • Children under 10 years old will not be admitted without an appropriate parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must be 16 years or over and adhere to all conditions of entry.
  • Children under 10 years old must be constantly supervised by a parent/guardian while in the aquatic area of the centre.
  • The parent/guardian must position himself or herself to have a clear view of the child with no physical or structural barriers between them and the child.
  • Ratio, 1 adult to 4 children.
Children 10 years and older:
  • Parent/guardians are required to be present in the centre for children under the age of 13.
  • For children 10 years and older, parents must use their knowledge of the child's swimming ability to determine the level of supervision required.

LSV Online Learning

We encourage all parents and guardians to undertake LSV's online learning module for Watch Around Water (WAW) an educational campaign about the importance of active supervision around water and encourages parents/guardians to work with lifeguards to make sure their kids stay safe around water.

Active Supervision - All Your Attention, All The Time

Take steps to minimise distractions to avoid lapses in supervision – such as mobile phones or chatting with other parents. 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.

Weak/Non-Swimmer Policy

  • Tell a staff member if you are a non-swimmer, we’re here to help!
  • It’s ok to admit you are a non-swimmer, be recognised and survive.
  • Wear a water safety orange wrist band while in the water to be recognised by lifeguards.
  • Swim within safe depths according to your ability.
  • Never swim in deep water if you are a Non-Swimmer.
  • Be aware of drop zones in pools and abrupt depth change areas.
  • Swim with a friend or companion.

Please note: Lifeguards are employed on a 1:100 ratio; to help lifeguards supervise more effectively please advise staff if you are a non-swimmer, wear your wrist band and stay within safe depths commensurate with your ability.

If you wish to improve your swimming ability to be safe in and around water, please contact us.