Supervision Saves Lives
Drowning is fast and silent, no splashing, no shouting, just seconds. Which is why active supervision is essential whenever children are in the water. At the Makino Aquatic Centre (MAC), water safety is at the core of everything we do.
From 1 April 2025, MAC updated its caregiver to swimmer ratios to strengthen child safety and meet Poolsafe accreditation requirements. These changes ensure caregivers remain within arm’s reach of young swimmers and provide the close supervision children need.
While lifeguards are always on duty, they cannot replace active caregiver supervision particularly during busy periods. Lifeguards are trained responders, but parents and caregivers are a child’s first line of defence.
According to Water Safety New Zealand, there were 78 drowning fatalities in 2025 (provisional figures). While pools account for a smaller proportion of incidents than rivers and beaches, young children remain at higher risk. Drowning can occur in as little as 20–60 seconds and is often silent.
Under the Poolsafe “Pool Alone” policy, children under the age of 8 must be actively supervised by a caregiver aged 16 years or older. Children under 5 must be always kept within arm’s reach. This means that parents and caregivers are required to be in the water with children under 5.
Updated supervision ratios ensure these requirements are realistic and effective. Signage displayed throughout the facility reinforces these expectations, and colour-coded wristbands help staff easily identify children who require close supervision.
Distraction remains one of the biggest risks at the pool. Phones and divided attention can mean missing the moment a child slips beneath the surface. Being present is not the same as supervising.
When you visit, be a designated watcher.
Because supervision doesn’t just support safety, it saves lives.
For more information on swim lessons and aquatic programming, visit makino.co.nz
Signs to grab attention for caregivers are found around the facility for easy reference for attendees.