Monbulk YMCA Aquatic Centre offers a range of water safety and aquatic programs during the school holidays.YMCA is urging all parents to actively supervise their children to prevent tragedy in the water these Christmas holidays.
YMCA Victoria Chief Executive Peter Burns said that too many people mistakenly believed that once they entered a public pool, the responsibility for their children fell to the pool lifeguards.
“This is incorrect and plain dangerous,” he said.
“All of our pools have prominent signage reminding parents and carers of their responsibility to actively supervise children under the age of 10, and are giving information brochures to parents and carers on the issue.
“Tragically, many drownings occur in the few seconds that parents or carers are distracted. For each child that drowns, there are at least five near drownings, each of which requires hospitalisation and is very frightening and distressing for all concerned.
All children under 10 must be actively supervised — which means continually watching and being prepared to enter the water — by a person 16 years or older.
“Every parent and carer is responsible for their children’s safety.”
Monbulk YMCA, which is owned by the Shire of Yarra Ranges and managed by the YMCA, reminds the community to never take their eyes off children and toddlers in or around water.
The Monbulk YMCA has also released a free YMCA Parent’s Guide to Swimming and Water Safety, which can be downloaded at www.victoria.ymca.org.au
Monbulk YMCA branch manager Helen Hostettler said that tips on how to have a safe and enjoyable summer could also be found on the YMCA website.
For further information about water safety programs at Monbulk YMCA phone 9756 6227.
The pool is located in Baynes Park Road, Monbulk.
