Central Otago Pools Open for Summer

The countdown to summer fun is on, and Central Otago’s pools are ready to dive in!

On Saturday 15 November, the gates swing open at Central Otago District Council’s outdoor pools in Alexandra, Ranfurly, Ophir, and for the first season under CODC management, the Roxburgh Pool.

“Our pool teams have been working hard to get everything ready for another great season,” CODC Aquatics Manager Carly Lipinski said. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another summer of fun, fitness, and community connection.”

Whether it’s a lazy afternoon float, swimming lessons, or racing your mates to the other end, our pools are the perfect place to cool off and connect this summer.

Among all that fun, there’s one message CODC pool staff want everyone to remember: keep watch, stay close, and be involved.

Ms Lipinski knows the joy of pool days well and the importance of keeping them safe.

“We totally understand how tempting it is to grab a moment for yourself while the kids are swimming,” Ms Lipinski said. “Parents and caregivers are busy, and dropping the kids at the pool feels like some well-earned time-out; a chance to catch up on your messages, flick through a magazine or chat to your friends. But things can change in seconds around water, especially for little ones.”

Ms Lipinski says even confident swimmers, particularly kids under five, can find themselves in trouble if they get tired, panic or venture out of their depth.

“That’s why we talk about ‘Active Supervision’. It’s not just about being nearby, it’s about being engaged and ready to help if needed.”

What does Active Supervision mean?

Think of it as being your child's personal lifeguard. Here's what that looks like:

• Constant attention: Stay focused on your child and avoid distractions like using your phone, reading, or talking.
• Direct line of sight: You must be able to see your child at all times.
• Immediate assistance: Be in a position to provide help instantly if a child gets into trouble
• Be prepared to intervene: If you need to leave the pool area, always take your child with you.

“Lifeguards are there to keep everyone safe, but they can’t replace a parent or caregiver’s eyes,” Ms Lipinski said. “Drowning is quick and silent and can happen in less than two minutes.”

Supervision Rules

• Children under five years old must be within arm’s reach and under constant supervision by a responsible caregiver over the age of 16 years both in and out of the water at all times. A caregiver must not have any more than two children under five in their care at any time.
• Children under the age of 10 must be actively supervised by a responsible caregiver over the age of 16 years at all times.
• Actively supervised means not only having a direct line of sight on the child at all times but being in a position to be able to provide immediate assistance.
• The use of mobile phones, reading, or other distractions is not acceptable while supervising children under the age of 10. Caregivers must remain alert and attentive at all times.
• Safety comes first. Pool crew will insist that parents and caregivers meet their supervision responsibilities. When supervising children under 10 years of age.

To make things easier, CODC pools use bright wristbands:

🟠 Orange for under-fives - to remind caregivers to remain within arm’s reach. This includes the toddler pools.

🟣 Purple for ages 5–9 - to remind caregivers to keep their children in sight at all times.

“Don’t ‘drop and go’ this summer,” Ms Lipinski said. “Stay and play. Those poolside memories – the scent of sunscreen and sausage sizzle, laughter and splashes echoing across the water – are what kids remember most. Let’s make sure those memories are safe ones.”

So grab your togs, slather on the sunscreen, pack the snacks and make the most of another Central Otago summer at your local pool.

For information on opening hours and season passes go to https://pools.codc.govt.nz/