Lifeguards are not babysitters’ is the message from Silver Fern Ameliaranne Ekenasio
Silver Fern Ameliaranne Ekenasio is reminding caregivers to keep an eye on their little ones at pools in the latest
Poolsafe campaign.
Following three non-fatal drownings over the school holidays, the message that constant supervision saves lives is more
important than ever.
As a water safety ambassador for toddlers and babies, Ameliaranne knows how important it is for parents and guardians to
be in the water with their children.
“Even if there are plenty of lifeguards at a pool, putting down your cellphone and making sure there are no distractions
can mean the difference between life and death. As a caregiver you should support the lifeguard by giving the kids your
full attention” she said.
Tracey Prince-Puketapu, Aquatics Programme Manager at Recreation Aotearoa said “The videos are designed to remind
parents and guardians that accidents can happen in seconds. We also want to encourage people to hop in the water and
have fun with their kids.”
Recreation Aotearoa delivers the Poolsafe programme with Water Safety NZ, providing a way of assessing public pools to
ensure that their operations and facilities are safe. Currently, over 150 public pools in New Zealand are members of the
scheme.
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