Rescue spike prompts the Town of Port Hedland to endorse a new supervision policy

An “alarming” spike in rescues at local leisure centres has prompted the Town of Port Hedland to endorse a new policy to increase supervision of children at public swimming pools. Last week, council agreed to amend a local law to mitigate risks associated with the entry of unaccompanied minors into the Town’s aquatic facilities. It follows a report by the Town of Port Hedland which revealed an increase in in-water rescues during the 2020/21 Christmas holidays. According to the review, rescues were attributed to “the primary caregiver failing to adhere to the centre’s Watch around Water guidelines”. Most children rescued were under the age of 12. Endorsed amendments included increasing the age of unaccompanied minors at aquatic centres from 10 to 12-years old, with supervision rights extended to those over the age of 18. Children under six will now be required to be accompanied by an adult within arms’ reach in the water. The use of electronic recording devices or cameras without approval has also been restricted, in response to recommendations by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Changes would align local laws with current best practice and Watch around Water guidelines.