Positive Poolside Culture

The change follows feedback from pool users and staff and aims to create a safer, smoother, and more consistent lane swimming environment for everyone.

Makino Aquatic Centre is known for its strong community focus, with staff and patrons working together to create a safe and enjoyable environment. While lifeguards play a key role in keeping swimmers safe, safety is a shared responsibility.

Aquatic Services Manager Aimee Flanders says the Makino works best when everyone is respectful and aware of those around them. “Our lifeguards are here to keep people safe, but safety is a shared responsibility. When parents and caregivers actively supervise children, follow facility guidelines, and people show respect to staff and other patrons, it creates a positive atmosphere for everyone,” says Flanders.

Children under eight years old must be actively supervised by a caregiver aged 16 years or older at all times, with appropriate caregiver-to-child ratios maintained in line with facility guidelines. Staff have observed that attentive supervision and reduced distractions, such as phone use, significantly improve safety.

From 1 June, swimmers using shared lanes will be asked to keep left at all times and swim in a clockwise direction around the lane. Good lane etiquette also includes choosing a lane suitable for your swimming speed, leaving adequate space between swimmers, being mindful of others entering or exiting the lane, and following directions from staff and lifeguards.

Makino staff will support swimmers as the facility transitions to the new system, and patrons are encouraged to raise any questions respectfully with staff.

Thank you to all pool users for your understanding and cooperation as we continue working together to maintain a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable aquatic environment for the whole community.

Read more about Rules & guidelines: Rules & Guidelines | Makino Aquatic Centre

Lifeguards on duty at the Makino Aquatic Centre.