New child supervision requirements coming to the Todd Energy Aquatic Centre

New child supervision requirements aimed at boosting water safety and providing greater clarity around caregiver responsibilities will come into effect at NPDC’s  Todd Energy Aquatic Centre on 12 October.

The changes at the New Plymouth facility align with current aquatic industry best practice and include revised supervision age thresholds, updated supervision ratios and operating times and clarity on expectations around active supervision for children under 10.

In some cases caregivers will now need to be in the water as well as being within arm’s reach.

Aquatic Centre Manager Sarah Brittain says the change helps to clarify what roles lifeguards and caregivers have in keeping little swimmers safe in the water.

“Our lifeguards are here to monitor the centre and help keep the environment safe, while parents and caregivers provide the close, active supervision young swimmers need”

She says when everyone plays their part, lifeguards can keep an eye on the wider pool area environment and caregivers can be ready to respond immediately if the child in their care needs help.

“The aquatic centre is a busy place with a range of different areas and activities and we can have hundreds of people in here at any one time, so there is a lot going on. Keeping everyone safe around water has to be a team effort and caregivers play a huge part in that” says Sarah

"Active supervision means being close enough to see, hear and reach a child straight away if something happens. It doesn't mean keeping an eye on them from the café, the spa pool, or while scrolling on your phone."

The updated approach is focused on education and awareness rather than enforcement.

 “Most parents and caregivers are already doing a great job of supervising their children. This is about providing greater clarity and working together to keep young swimmers safe.

"It's about making expectations clear so everyone understands what's needed to keep children safe in and around the water."

Additionally changes are being made to the minimum age for people to use the sauna and steam room and on weekends, public and school holidays caregivers will need to wait at the bottom of the hydro slides to supervise and be ready to assist.

The changes will be accompanied by updated signage at the centre, online and printed information that clearly outline the new requirements.

Key changes from 12 October 2026

• Children aged 2-4 years must have a caregiver in the water with them at all times.
• Active supervision requirements extend to children aged 9 years.  Active supervision means being able to see, hear and immediately assist the child
• Supervision ratios apply all day on weekends, public holidays and school holidays.  Outside of these times while the set ratios do not apply but active supervision requirements do. Eg if with a child up to four years of age, you need to be in the water.  
• Children who require supervision and their caregivers must wear matching wristbands, which must be worn at all times as follows:
  • Orange wristband: 2-4 years
  • Green wristband: 5-9 years.

More information on our website npdc.govt.nz/poolrules

At a glance:

• The Todd Energy Aquatic Centre (TEAC) is a swimming complex located next to the Coastal Walkway and is the largest aquatic complex in Taranaki. ​
• The indoor centre opened in 1993 and was New Zealand’s first pool to have a wave machine.
• The indoor hydro slide is the tallest in New Zealand; the family slide has a ride length of 62 metres and the higher turbo is 92 metres long.
• NPDC’s pools attract around 410,000 visits each year, including about 370,000 to the TEAC.​