Ararat Rural City Council is urging parents and carers to speak with their children about respectful behaviour at the Ararat outdoor pool, following a disappointing rise in swearing, abusive language, and disrespectful conduct directed at lifeguards in recent weeks.
Council staff and contractors have reported a marked increase in poor behaviour from some children and teenagers, including repeated instances of swearing, talking back, and ignoring reasonable requests from lifeguards. This conduct is creating an unpleasant environment for other pool users and is placing unfair pressure on a team whose primary responsibility is the safety of people in the water.
Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison, said the behaviour of a small group was undermining a much-loved local facility that the community has worked hard to maintain.
"Ararat's outdoor pool is a fantastic community asset and a place where families should be able to relax, cool off, and enjoy their summer," Dr Harrison said. "The vast majority of our pool users do the right thing, and they deserve a safe and respectful environment, not one where a handful of kids make it uncomfortable for everyone else."
"Our lifeguards are there to keep people safe, not to cop abuse," he said. "Many of them are young people themselves, learning important skills and contributing to our community, and they should be treated with the same respect you would expect for your own children at work."
Council is asking parents and carers to set clear expectations with their children before they attend the pool, including language, behaviour toward staff, and always following directions from lifeguards.
Council also reminds patrons that repeat offenders who continue to behave poorly or refuse to follow staff instructions will face a ban from the pool for the remainder of the season.
Ararat's outdoor pool is free to access this summer, part of Council's broader efforts to support active, healthy lifestyles across the municipality. Council appreciates the ongoing support of the many community members who use the facility responsibly and help make it a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
