Care Around Water (CAW) is a supervision and safety program introduced by WynActive in 2024 to enhance safety and enjoyment for people with disability as well as NDIS participants in public aquatic facilities.
Developed in response to findings from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, CAW addresses a longstanding gap in aquatic supervision, where responsibility for supporting people with disability has often been unclear.
It ensures participants receive the right level of support and complements the existing Watch Around Water program, which focuses on child safety.
WHY CAW WAS INTRODUCED
The Royal Commission highlighted the risks that arise when supervision responsibilities in public spaces like pools are vague or assumed. CAW provides a structured approach to supervision that empowers carers and support workers to provide safe and active support without relying solely on lifeguards, who manage general pool safety, not individual care needs.
THE CAW MODEL – TWO LEVELS OF SUPPORT
Level 1 (Light Green Wristband)
Visual Supervision
For people with disability and NDIS participants needing minimal support. The support workers and carers must maintain continuous visual contact ready to assist if required.
Level 2 (Purple Wristband)
Direct Supervision
For participants needing active, hands-on assistance. The carer, supervisor or support worker must be in the water or within arm’s reach at all times.
Support workers, carers or supervisors select the appropriate level on arrival. Wristbands make the supervision level clearly visible to staff and patrons. WynActive staff are trained to recognize and support CAW guidelines reminding or prompting workers as needed to ensure participant safety, support but most importantly enjoyment.
IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT
Since launching in 2024 at AquaPulse and Werribee Outdoor Pool, CAW has seen strong uptake from over 300 support workers and 50 NDIS providers. WLS’s Community Participation Team delivered education sessions to embed CAW into practice, and feedback from families and providers has been overwhelmingly positive.
Rather than a restriction, CAW is viewed as a safeguard—bringing peace of mind through clarity and accountability. It makes expectations visible, ensures participants receive the support they need, and prevents harmful assumptions about who is “watching” to ensure maximum enjoyment and everyone can participate their way.
