Distracted parents told to put their phones down and watch their kids at public pools

Lifeguards at Victoria’s public pools have issued a warning about one worrying thing they see parents do far too often.

Parents are being reminded that lifeguards at Melbourne public pools were not babysitters amid concerns that young children were wandering on the pool deck unsupervised.

Distracted mums and dads are urged to put their mobile phones down and keep watch on their children to avert another tragedy.

The warning comes as Victoria has recorded a horror summer with six drownings since December 1.

The deaths have occurred off beaches and in lakes but lifesavers are concerned about behaviour at public pools.

Young children have to be supervised at all times.

As hotter days return for the weekend, the Herald Sun can also reveal:

• The number of poolside announcements reminding parents of their responsibilities has increased in recent weeks.

• Councils are increasing the number of swimming lessons for children who missed out during lockdowns.

• Paramedics have attended about 80 non-fatal rescues from state waterways in December.

Families have been flocking to popular public pools such as North Melbourne, Oak Park and Harold Holt Swim Centre on the recent hot days.

Life Saving Victoria acting general manager of training Alek Olszewski said the onus was on parents to actively supervise their kids when enjoying a day at the local pool.

“Parents and guardians supervise, lifeguards save lives,’’ he said.

Children can easily find themselves in trouble in the water.

“All children under 10 should be actively supervised, which means within arm’s reach for under fives, in your constant and direct eye line for under 10s, with parents making the call based on ability for children aged 10 and up.

“It only takes 20 seconds and a few centimetres of water for a child to drown.’’

Life Saving Victoria’s Watch Around Water program is now in operation at 200

pools and sports centres in Victoria.

Maribyrnong Mayor Sarah Carter said water safety messages were being broadcast in multiple languages during the day at Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre.

“A reoccurring challenge for our lifeguards are parents and/or guardians looking at their phones instead of watching their children,’’ Cr Carter said.

Many children missed swimming lessons because of pandemic lockdowns, she said, prompting the council to accommodate more children than before.

A Darebin council spokeswoman said extra announcements were made at Reservoir Leisure Centre if poor parental supervision was apparent, especially on busier, warmer days.

“On days with forecasts in the 30s and above, additional lifeguards and staff are rostered to support the increase in patrons.’’

The centre also ran extra swimming classes late last year.

Parents should be with their young children at all times at the pool.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp said extra water safety and swimming programs were being ramped up at all council pools.

“Our trained lifeguards are also ready to spring into action if required, and we’re adding additional lifeguards to the rotation on hot days.”

Merri-bek Mayor Angelica Panopoulos said the council’s aquatic centres had guidelines in place to keep kids and families safe.

“Through this program we educate parents and carers about water safety for children, and their role in providing adequate supervision.

“We do this through announcements at all of our facilities, speaking to parents as they enter and during their visit, and on social media.’’

Originally published as Distracted parents told to put their phones down and watch their kids at public pools