This message was written by Sam Bradley, Senior Lifeguard at Westland Recreation Centre (Greymouth)

As a lifeguard for the last 10 years, and the facility Health & Safety representative for the Council we operate under, I always find it challenging to consistently manage fun and safety around the pools that I work in.

A recent incident with a baby and an inflatable seat ring has brought this to the forefront of my observations and considerations regarding the use of inflatable pool toys in public pools.

I was ready to respond as I watched a baby in one of these rings tip forwards and upside down, trapping her under the water for a few seconds as she was unable to right herself. Fortunately, the caregiver was only a step away and was able to tip the seat back upright and lift the child out, at which stage I was able to intervene and ensure that the child had not ingested any water.

Although the caregiver was actively supervising the baby, she let go of the ring for a fraction of a second to attend to an older child that she was supervising as well. This incident unfolded in such a short space of time that it has made me question whether public pools should allow these types of toys to be brought in by customers.

The way these items are constructed leads parents and caregivers into a false sense of security with their young children, that they can let go or move away and they will stay quite happily, floating on top of the water. Given my experience, it only takes a slight shift in the child's centre of gravity to make these rings tip over.

My main concern is that, as lifeguards, we are aware of the danger and we are naturally focused on those customers while they are in the pool. How can we realistically ensure that all areas of our pools are monitored, when all our attention is taken by one customer using a high-risk inflatable toy?

These toys are usually marketed as "floatation aids". Some have weight and age recommendations. There are warnings all over the item and the packaging in various languages stating, "use only under constant and competent supervision", however once the packaging is thrown away and the ring is in the water these warnings are invisible.

Recreation Aotearoa have always supported aquatic staff by providing communication, advice and education around current safety issues as they arise. If any other facilities have experienced issues with this type of inflatable pool toy and have developed a policy or successful messaging to the community around their use, it would be valuable to receive your feedback on this important safety issue.

In the first instance please send your feedback to Tracey.