Pool rules

• Admission is for a single entry. Leaving the facility will require a new admission to re-enter, unless approved by staff.

• Follow all instructions from staff.
• Treat staff and other facility users with respect.
• Behaviour that is unsafe, disruptive, abusive, intimidating or offensive will not be tolerated.
• Weapons and glass objects are prohibited.

• Children under 10 years must be actively supervised at all times by a caregiver aged 16 years or over.
• Children under 2 years must have a caregiver aged 16 years or over who must be in the water and within arm’s reach at all times.
• Children aged 2-4 years must have a caregiver aged 16 years or over who must be actively supervising in the water with the child at all times.
• Children aged 5-9 years must be actively supervised by a caregiver aged 16 years or over.
• Active supervision means being able to see, hear, and immediately assist your child at all times.
• On weekends, public holidays and school holidays, supervision ratios apply all day: one caregiver for each child under 2 years (1:1), one caregiver for up to two children aged 2-4 years (1:2), and one caregiver for up to four children aged 5-9 years (1:4).
• When supervising children of different ages, follow the ratio for the youngest child.
• Children aged 2-9 years and their supervising caregivers must wear the wristband issued at reception at all times.
• Caregivers are responsible for the safety and behaviour of children in their care.

• Please shower before entering the pools.
• Appropriate swimwear must be worn in all aquatic areas.
• Running, pushing, rough play and dangerous behaviour are not permitted.
• Diving and jumping are only permitted in designated areas.
• Remove footwear before entering pools.

• Do not use this facility if you have had vomiting or diarrhoea within the previous 14 days.
• Anyone with an infectious illness, open wound, or contagious skin condition must not enter the water.
• Babies and toddlers and anyone who is not toilet trained must wear an approved aqua nappy.

• Personal belongings remain the responsibility of the owner.
• Lost property will be managed in accordance with facility procedures.

• Riders must meet the height, age and weight requirements displayed.
• Follow all staff instructions and signage before riding.

• You must be 16 years or over to use the sauna and steam room as a casual user. Members and all-access concession holders may use them from 14 years.
• Follow recommended usage rules displayed in the area.

• Children under 14 years are not permitted unless participating in an approved programme or supervised session.
• All users must follow the Fitness Centre rules displayed in the area.

• The Aquatic Centre is a smoke-free and vape-free facility.
• Alcohol and illegal substances are not permitted in the facility, and anyone suspected to be affected by alcohol or drugs will be asked to leave.

• Photography and recording must respect the privacy and safety of other facility users.
• Staff may direct visitors to stop photography or recording where privacy, child safety or operational concerns exist.
• Photography and recording are not permitted in the changing rooms.

• Customers are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
• Report hazards, incidents, injuries or concerns to staff immediately.
• In an emergency, follow staff instructions without delay.

They help keep children safe around water and follow current aquatic industry best practice. Our pools range from shallow to very deep, and features like the wave machine mean young swimmers need a caregiver close by – and children under 5 need you in the water, so you can help straight away.

Our team checks your group at reception, so all supervising caregivers need to arrive together. If your group doesn't meet the ratio, we'll ask you to wait, come back when you can, or enjoy Destination Kawaroa in the meantime. Inside, lifeguards and staff will speak with caregivers who aren't meeting the rules, and anyone unwilling to follow them will be asked to leave with their child.

Our lifeguards play an important role - they supervise the facility, monitor pool safety and respond to emergencies. However, parents and caregivers remain responsible for actively supervising children in their care.

Follow the ratio for your youngest child - this is the priority and can't be averaged out or relaxed because of older children in the group. The scenarios below apply on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, when ratios are enforced. On other days, ratios don't apply, but you must still meet the active supervision requirements for each child's age.

• If your youngest child is under 2: you must be within arm's reach in the water with them, on a strict 1:1 ratio. You cannot bring any other children under 10 with you. If you need to supervise other children at the same time, you'll need to bring a second adult.
• If you bring one 2–4 year old: you can bring one other child aged 5-9. You must be in the water with the 2–4 year old, and be able to actively supervise the 5–9 year old at the same time.
• If you bring two 2–4 year olds: you've used your full 1:2 ratio for that age group, so you cannot bring any other children under 10 years old with you.
• 10+ year olds don't count toward these ratios, but should still be considered as part of your overall group management.

If you can't meet these requirements for your group, you'll need a second caregiver aged 16 or older.

We understand wristbands aren't suitable for every child. If your child has a sensory sensitivity or condition that makes wearing a wristband difficult, that's okay - your child doesn't have to wear one. Please let our staff know at reception, and we'll make sure your caregiver wristband is issued so supervision requirements are still clearly identified. If you're a regular visitor, we can issue an RFID card (a simple scan card) to you or your child, so our team recognises your needs automatically - no need to explain again each time.

No. These changes apply to the Aquatic Centre only. Supervision requirements at our community pools - Fitzroy, Inglewood, Waitara and Ōkato - are not changing.  These pools are quieter, with fewer visitors per lifeguard, so their current supervision approach remains appropriate.