Central Otago District Council (CODC) is asking visitors to its pools to reduce phone use while at the facility, as part of its new “Put the Phone Away. Be Present.” campaign. The campaign is launching across the Alexandra, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Roxburgh pools this spring, with a focus on safety, privacy, and being present while at the pool.
Staff have noticed an increase in phone use, along with phone use that has made other visitors feel uncomfortable, and even some instances of inappropriate content being viewed.
“We're noticing more and more that caregivers and parents are distracted by their phones, and children can get into trouble very quickly,” said David Scoones, General Manager Community Experience. “These rules are in place for everyone's safety and are consistent with practice at aquatic facilities around the country.”
CODC's aquatic facilities are staffed to a ratio of one lifeguard to every 50 patrons, and the Council aims to operate under that ratio wherever possible. Alongside lifeguard supervision, a caregiver supervision policy is in place for young swimmers:
- Children under 5 must be within arm's reach and under constant supervision by a caregiver aged 16 or over, both in and out of the water, with no more than two children under 5 per caregiver.
- Children under 10 must be actively supervised by a caregiver aged 16 or over, at all times, with a direct line of sight and the ability to provide immediate assistance. Mobile phones, reading and other distractions are not acceptable while supervising children under 10.
Photography and filming on the pool deck require prior approval from staff, must not include other visitors or staff without their consent, and underwater filming is not permitted. Phones are also not permitted in the spa or changing rooms. Staff may ask visitors to put their phone away if its use is affecting the privacy, safety or comfort of others.
Carly Lipinski, Aquatics Manager, says putting the phone away makes a real difference.
“Your child might be learning a new skill, taking their first confident jump into the pool, or swimming further than they did last week. They might look over to check you're watching and those are the moments we don't want you to miss because you're looking at a screen. It’s also about respecting people's privacy and allowing everyone to properly switch off without worrying about phones being used around them.”
We are also considering further restrictions on phone use at its aquatic facilities and will share updates on any proposed changes.
