Celebrating 20 years of Watch Around Water
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Watch Around Water, a program developed by Royal Life Saving WA and the WA aquatic industry’s peak body, LIWA Aquatics, to promote parental supervision at public pools.
Launched in 2004, Watch Around Water was created in response to a series of tragic drowning incidents. The program introduced clear guidelines for parental supervision and addressed the vital need for shared responsibility between parents and lifeguards.
The core message is simple:
• Children under 5 years must be always within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian.
• Children under 10 years require active supervision, with parents remaining close and engaged.
The 20th anniversary milestone highlights two decades of promoting this simple but effective message and preventing drowning in public swimming pools.
“Summer is a time for fun and making memories, but it’s also a time to stay vigilant,” says Royal Life Saving WA Senior Manager Lauren Nimmo.
“Drowning can happen in seconds. By following the Watch Around Water guidelines and staying close to your child, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.”
The program’s tagline – “Parents supervise, lifeguards save lives” – reminds parents that while lifeguards are an important safety feature at public pools, they are trained to respond in emergencies and are not a substitute for vigilant parental supervision.
LIWA Aquatics President Dan Barber says the program is a fantastic example of how the aquatic industry can come together to save lives and has set a national benchmark for water safety.
“This program has built awareness and changed behaviours. Its policies are now widely recognised as best practice across the country. It has fostered a culture of accountability, where parents, caregivers and lifeguards all play a critical role in ensuring safety around the water.
“This anniversary serves as both a celebration and a reminder. As we reflect on 20 years of success, the focus remains on the future – continuing to promote awareness, educate families, and safeguard the next generation.”
As summer heats up and families head to local swimming pools, Royal Life Saving WA and LIWA Aquatics are urging parents to embrace their vital role in water safety.
Simple actions can make all the difference.
Keep young children within arm’s reach, avoid distractions and encourage older kids to follow pool rules. Let’s all work together to ensure public pools remain safe spaces for everyone to enjoy!
Learn more about the Watch Around Water program at the link below.
