Public Swimming Pools 

Pools are great, they can be exciting, challenging and heaps of fun but need to be treated with absolute respect. Pool sides are slippery and depth can often be hard to gauge: Always obey the pool's safety rules and listen to the instructions of pool lifeguards. They are there to assist you to have a good and safe time. Play it safe. Always walk around the pool and remember to check for others before entering the water.

ACC PoolSafe^® Quality Management Scheme

In October 2001 the PoolSafe® Quality Management Scheme for public pools was launched. This scheme assesses pools for industry standards including supervision guidelines, emergency action plans, water quality, Heath and Safety and the 'pool alone' supervision policy for children. The scheme is managed by Water Safety New Zealand Inc on behalf of the New Zealand Recreation Association who are fully involved with the assessment of pools, re-writing the lifeguard manual and review drowning fatalities at public pools.

The 'National Pool Lifeguard Award' and 'Swimming Pool Guidelines' manuals are now available from.

New Zealand Recreation Association
PO Box 11-132, Wellington
Phone:	04 915 5640
Fax:	04 915 5645
Email:	info@nzrecreation.org.nz

Pool Alone Policy

A revised policy for caregiver supervision of young children at public swimming pools was launched in October 2003.

Children under 8 must be ACTIVELY SUPERVISED by a CAREGIVER 16 or over. ACTIVELY SUPERVISED means: Watching your child at all times and be able to provide immediate assistance.

Public swimming pools have become the centre for many aquatic and fitness activities. Learn to swim, underwater hockey, aquafit, fifties forward, mini dippers are just a few programmes which your pool may offer. If you are interested in learning to swim, improving you technique, establishing a fitness programme, or just meeting new people you should consider a visit to your local pool.

For more comprehensive information on swimming pool safety and the PoolSafe^® Quality Management Scheme visit the PoolSafe^® website by clicking on the PoolSafe^® logo at the top of this page.

Resources are available from Water Safety New Zealand Inc