Published on Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 5:18:23 PM
Newman Aquatic Centre is introducing changes to entry fees and child supervision requirements to help keep patrons and staff safe.
From Wednesday 4 November 2026, the free-entry initiative for children under 16 will end, with standard swimming admission fees applying.
From the same date, all children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian aged 17 or over. The accompanying person must remain at the Centre and actively supervise the children in their care throughout their visit.
The minimum age for attending the Centre unaccompanied will increase from 10 to 12 years.
To support families with the supervision changes, spectator entry will become free for everyone.
Adults entering the water will continue to pay the applicable swimming admission fee.
Shire of East Pilbara President Anthony Middleton said the safety of patrons and staff must come first.
“Unsafe and disruptive behaviour at Newman Aquatic Centre is unacceptable.
“Recent incidents have affected Centre operations, and we are taking action. We are ending the free-entry initiative for children under 16 and strengthening supervision requirements.
“Parents and guardians must take responsibility for supervising the children in their care. All patrons must follow staff directions and the Centre’s conditions of entry.
“The pool is there for the whole community. Everyone should be able to enjoy it safely, and our staff deserve a safe working environment.”
Active parental supervision also helps lifeguards maintain their focus on watching the water, identifying swimmers in difficulty and responding to emergencies.
The approach supports Royal Life Saving Society WA’s Watch Around Water message that parental supervision remains essential, even when lifeguards are present.
Newman’s new under-12 requirement provides an additional level of supervision above the program’s standard under-10 requirement.
The new supervision arrangements will be trialled for the remainder of 2026, with their effectiveness reviewed at the end of the year before a decision is made about ongoing arrangements.
What Families Need to Know:
• Children under five: must remain within arm’s reach of their accompanying parent or guardian. If the child is in the water, the supervising parent or guardian must be in the water too.
• Children aged five to 11: must be actively supervised within line of sight, with the accompanying parent or guardian maintaining clear and direct access to them.
• Children aged 12 and over: may attend unaccompanied and must follow the Centre’s conditions of entry and behaviour expectations.
• Supervising parents and guardians: must be aged 17 or over and remain at the Centre throughout the visit.
• Swimming admission: the free-entry initiative for children under 16 will end, with standard swimming admission fees applying.
• All spectators: enter free, with swimming admission fees continuing to apply to adults entering the water.
Parents and guardians are also asked to support appropriate behaviour and follow staff directions so everyone can enjoy a safe and welcoming environment.
These changes apply to Newman Aquatic Centre only. Entry and supervision arrangements at Marble Bar Swimming Pool and Nullagine Swimming Pool remain unchanged.
For further information, contact Newman Aquatic Centre on 9175 2145.
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