Tara Murray
Mobile phones and other devices could be banned on the pool deck at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre as part of a safety review following a number of ‘serious events’.
Brimbank councillor Maria Kerr raised a notice of motion at last week’s council meeting calling for a review of safety at the centre following recent incidents.
The review is to focus on parental supervision of children within the pool area, water safety awareness and parental responsibilities and a possible ban on mobile phone use in the pool area.
A review of current car parking facilities will also be part of the review.
The review comes after a number of incidents since the centre opened in September.
It’s been believed the centre had to be evacuated at least three times last year following incidents where children weren’t supervised.
Cr Kerr said there had been more members using the centre than expected and the staff had done an outstanding job.
“With the unprecedented number of patrons, there have been a few instances that have caused me concern,” she said.
“I have visited the centre with my own young children, along with feedback from the community have noted, there are concerns with the level of parental, carer and guardian supervision of minors whilst in the pool.
“The usage of mobile phones by guardians while they should be supervising minors, patrons eating while in the pool, the number of the patrons in the aquatic area during busy times, murky water.”
She said other concerns raised included the amount of accessible car parks available, level of lighting in the car park and pedestrian crossings.
Cr Kerr said she feared that unless something was done that incidents would continue to occur.
“I’m very concerned that these very serious events and near drownings could turn into a fatal accident,” she said.
“It is my duty as a councillor to bring this issue to council. I urge my fellow councillors to support this motion for a safety review, including supervision guidelines whilst minors are in the pool, parental, carer and guardian water safety awareness, the possibly the ban of all devices whilst in the aquatic space.
“Along with the community I’m very concerned that it is only a matter of time before we are dealing with a more serious incident, the occurrences thus far already been traumatic to staff and witnesses.”
